Maintaining a healthy smile begins with good dental hygiene, but many of us miss some important steps. Brushing and flossing every day are the steps most of us follow, but too many of us end up pushing dental visits off our schedule and don't take into account the importance of diet for a clean and healthy smile. Learn more about everything that you can do to improve your hygiene habits by reaching out to your general dentist Dr. Casey Hart in Marietta, GA.

The Problem With Plaque

Plaque is the sticky stuff that clings onto our teeth every day. The problem with plaque is the millions of bacteria that it is home to. As they share in the food we consume, they produce acids that can harm the enamel on our teeth and our gum tissue. Plaque can harden and become tartar which can only be removed by a dentist.

Brushing and Flossing

The basics of good dental hygiene begin right in front of your bathroom mirror. It's as simple as brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once a day. Both combined can keep plaque from building up on your teeth and keep food particles from becoming stuck, which the bacteria in plaque love to feed on.

Tooth Friendly Diet

The bacteria within plaque especially love the sugary foods and drinks we consume. We are feeding them directly if we don't limit our intake of these types of foods. Such a diet will not only improve the health of our smile but our health overall. Some foods will also stain the teeth like coffee or tea.

In-Office Dental Cleanings

While all of the above are aspects of good dental hygiene, regular office visits are essential. In-office dental cleanings can remove all the plaque left behind as well as tartar. These cleanings are accompanied by a thorough examination by your dentist. Checkups are very important to make sure there won't be any invasive, and costly, surprises down the road.

General Dentist in Marietta, GA

If you've been away from the office or just aren't sure if you are due for a visit, schedule an appointment with your general dentist, Dr. Hart in Marietta, GA, by dialing (770) 926-8371.