Patients of all ages should have a dental exam and cleaning with Knoxville family dentist Dr. Jack Haney every six months. During this appointment, he will inspect each tooth for signs of tooth decay or damage. He looks at periodontal health and expects to see healthy, pink gums. He examines occlusion before cleaning each tooth. Biannual dental checkups are an important part of maintaining a radiant, healthy smile.
Another important part of optimal oral health is at-home maintenance. Aside from brushing, Dr. Haney encourages patients to floss and use a daily antibacterial mouthwash. Family dentist Dr. Haney explains how to properly care for your smile with these easy steps and tips.
Scheduling your family’s biannual dental checkups with Knoxville, TN family dentist Dr. Haney is easy. Call 865-693-6886 to talk with a staff member about making an appointment today.
Family Dentist Explains Brushing and Flossing
Some patients, especially the younger ones, don’t brush their teeth correctly. Improper brushing leaves harmful bacteria on the surface of teeth, which can lead to periodontal disease, tooth decay, and bad breath.
Family dentist Dr. Haney performs hands-on demonstrations during your dental checkup to show the most effective way to brush teeth. He encourages patients to use toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride protects tooth enamel by making it resistant to acid erosion, a common cause of cavities. Acid erosion and harmful bacteria lead to cavities (tooth decay).
Patients should brush their teeth each morning and again before going to bed. Brushing should be followed by flossing. Most patients overlook flossing, even though it’s a crucial part of maintaining good oral health.
Dr. Haney can instruct you on how to effectively floss between each tooth to remove bacteria and trapped food particles to promote fresh breath and maintain top-notch oral health.
Mouthwash and Tongue Scraping
Aside from twice-daily brushing and routine flossing, family dentist Dr. Haney urges patients to use a daily antibacterial mouthwash and a tongue scraper. When it comes to mouthwash, there are many choices. Patients can choose from a variety of different flavors, ranging from mint to bubblegum. Adult patients may choose to use a mouthwash that has whitening agents to brighten a stained smile.
Tongue scrapers are sold at most grocery stores and are fairly priced. This dental tool is used to remove bacteria from the surface of the tongue. Bacteria on the tongue cause bad breath. If you struggle with stinky breath, a tongue scraper is a great tool to add to your at-home oral care routine.
You Are What You Eat
Dr. Haney encourages patients to limit the sugary foods and drinks that they consume. Sugar mixes with bacteria to produce an acid that erodes tooth enamel and causes cavities. However, cavities are avoided when patients eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as drink water throughout the day.
Fluoride isn’t just found in toothpaste. This mineral is also found in water. When you drink enough water throughout the day, you’re exposing teeth to this helpful mineral, while maintaining a healthy diet. Dr. Haney likes to see patients drink water, rather than sugary sodas and juices.
Patients who attend a dental cleaning and exam every six months and practice a good at-home oral care routine can maintain beautiful, bright smiles for many years to come.
For more information about how to clean your teeth at home, call 865-693-6886 to schedule your dental checkup with family dentist Dr. Haney in Knoxville, TN.
