While most people leave the dentist feeling fresh and clean, a lot of people arrive feeling a little nervous. Not only are teeth a common insecurity for people, but it’s easy to feel a little guilty when the dentist asks if you’ve been flossing! Even though they ask, they already know the answer just from examining your mouth. 

So, how can you improve your next dental checkup? It’s a lot easier than you think! 

4 Steps to a Great Dental Checkup

When it comes to taking care of your teeth at home, there are really only four simple steps you should worry about: brush, floss, rinse, and schedule. Keep reading for more details on each step. 

#1: Brush

Brushing your teeth (and brushing them well!) is the foundation of a good oral hygiene routine. You should be brushing thoroughly for about two minutes twice a day, and more if necessary! 

How’s your toothbrush holding up? Do you remember the last time you replaced it? Getting a new toothbrush (or a new head for an electric toothbrush) every three to four months will ensure that the bristles are still doing their job, and that harmful bacteria aren’t growing out of control. 

#2: Floss

Flossing is one of those things we all know we should be doing, but somehow keep forgetting. It’s time to commit! You’ll feel better, smile brighter, and won’t feel guilty when your dentist asks you about it at your next dental checkup. 

Floss picks are a great tool to add to your oral hygiene arsenal! It’s so easy to grab one and quickly get in between all your teeth. Your breath will smell fresher, and you’ll be at less risk for serious problems like gum disease. 

#3: Rinse

Speaking of better breath, don’t skip this final step in your oral health routine! Your mouth is full of tiny crevices and all sorts of bacteria—why not do all you can to keep things healthy and clean? In addition to brushing thoroughly and flossing consistently, rinsing with mouthwash can go a long way in making sure your next dental checkup is a success. It can help whiten your teeth, too! 

#4: Schedule

The final and arguably most important step in your routine is to maintain a consistent dental checkup schedule. Without being looked at by a professional, there’s no way to know if your oral hygiene routine is helping or hurting! Your dentist can check for signs of gum disease, plaque buildup, cavities, and more that you can’t see on your own. 

Making appointments can be stressful, but luckily scheduling dental checkups is easy! A good rule of thumb is to try to always have one scheduled. After your dental checkup, go ahead and schedule your next one! Ready to schedule your dental checkup? Call LeCroy Dental today to check it off your list!