Taking care of your teeth is vital for overall health. Unfortunately, many people don't take it seriously, and a large number of adults in the United States have cavities. According to the CDC, 25% of adults aged 20 to 64 have one. If you want to avoid a cavity, it's important to stay on top of your oral hygiene. Here are some tips from a family dentist to keep your teeth looking great.

Floss Your Teeth

A lot of people know that they are supposed to brush their teeth twice a day. While many adults know that brushing is an important step of oral hygiene, flossing is often a forgotten step. By flossing, you can get rid of food particles that would otherwise attack teeth. Be sure to add flossing to your routine if you aren't already doing so.

Take Your Time

When people see a family dentist, they might answer that they brush their teeth twice a day, but they could be doing it incorrectly. The main problem is that they don't devote 30 seconds at a time to each quadrant, or two minutes total. Make sure you are taking time to properly brush your teeth. By allocating a full two minutes, you can make sure you hit each area of your mouth properly. You may want to also consider using an electric toothbrush for even more brushing power.

Use a Mouthwash

If you've got your brushing and flossing down, you may think that you're set. However, adding in mouthwash to your oral hygiene routine can be a crucial last step! There are many mouthwashes that can protect teeth overnight. Be sure to get one that's made by a well-known brand and is approved by the American Dental Association. According to our expert family dentists, just 30 seconds of rinsing with mouthwash can make a big difference in oral health.

The most important thing you can do is see your dental professional twice a year for a dental exam and cleaning. On top of your at-home care, appointments will allow you to catch anything you may have missed. Are you looking for a family dentist in your area? We can provide all kinds of dental services ranging from general dentistry to Invisalign. Contact us at George Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today to make an appointment.