You know that doing weekly chores around your home will keep things from getting out of hand. Even so, many people will go through an annual spring cleaning to get rid of things they no longer use, need, or want.

You want to keep your mouth in good shape, too. You know that you should brush and floss daily to help prevent plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease. Just as people do a spring cleaning for their homes, you should get professional dental cleanings and exams a couple times every year.

You can get the benefits of a teeth cleaning (and much more) at the office of Dr. Jerry Farrell in Johnson City, NY.

We welcome you to schedule your own oral “spring cleaning” by calling us at 607-304-3993.

 

Brushing & Flossing Aren’t Enough

You need to do three things regularly to keep your teeth as healthy as possible, according to the American Dental Association. The first two are the things you should be doing daily:

 

◼ You need to brush your teeth.

More specifically, you should be scrubbing your teeth (not too hard) twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Be sure to clean for at least two minutes as this gives you plenty of time to clean all your teeth front and back. (Be sure to scrub your tongue, too, and spit out the toothpaste when you are done.)

 

◼ You need to clean between your teeth.

Brushing is essential, but it isn’t a great way to clean the spaces between your teeth. This is why it’s so important to floss or use some other interdental cleaner (such as flossers or water flossers) every day, too. This is how you remove bacteria, plaque, and food particles from the places your toothbrush doesn’t clean as well, namely between your teeth and below your gumline.

 

The third thing is something you should do at least twice a year (people with chronic gum disease may need to do this more often):

 

◼ You need professional dental cleanings.

You can be diligent about brushing and flossing, but no one does anything perfectly all the time. A professional dental cleaning is how we remove any plaque or tartar buildup that you may have missed. Plus, we’ll polish your teeth to help them look their best.

As part of your routine cleanings, we also conduct a thorough dental exam. We are looking for any signs of cavities or gum disease (and most people will be affected by each of these oral health issues at least once in their lives). Early detection leads to less invasive and more effective treatments.

Plus, you can ask about an extra layer of protection with dental sealants and fluoride treatments while you are here. These services can make it harder for bacteria to eat into your enamel (causing tooth decay) and can make your teeth stronger.

 

You Deserve an Attractive Smile, Too

Even if your teeth are perfectly healthy, they may not look as nice as you would like. It’s normal for teeth to develop stains as people get older. Every sip of coffee or soft drinks, every bite of pizza, and every snack you eat adds a little to those stains.

Dr. Farrell offers both in-office and take-home teeth whitening options. Either way, you will be getting professional whitening, which is much more powerful than the commercial whitening products sold in stores.

If you are interested in either of our whitening options — or any of our other cosmetic services — be sure to let us know when you make your appointment.

 

We Want You to have a Healthy Smile

You owe it to yourself to keep your mouth as healthy as it can be. Being proactive about your oral health will help you prevent cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss.

By taking charge of the situation, you can prevent long-term problems that can affect your smile and your overall health.

Our team at Dr. Farrell’s office can help, but only if you schedule your next dental appointment with us. contact us online or call 607-304-3993 to request your appointment soon!