Many people know the basics of oral hygiene: brushing twice a day and flossing daily. But beyond these staples, there are several other important practices that many patients overlook. Skipping these steps can lead to unpleasant issues or even dental problems down the road. If you want to see the cracks in your routine and how to fix them, continue reading. Here are some must-do oral hygiene practices you might be missing out on.

If you have anxiety about seeing the dentist or if you’re just really busy, you may be tempted to skip your next dental exam and cleaning. While this might seem like it’s not a big deal, forgoing your dental appointments can allow unseen oral health issues to progress until they become major problems. Here’s why it’s so important to see your dentist regularly in addition to practicing proper oral hygiene.

While traditional braces have allowed millions of people to straighten out their teeth, many are hesitant about committing to a treatment that takes a year or more to complete and involves irremovable metal appliances and irksome dietary restrictions. Luckily, Invisalign can allow many patients to realign their smiles in a shorter time with clear aligners that allow them to eat whatever they want. Here’s what you should know about Invisalign before beginning the treatment.

If you’ve just started your Invisalign journey, you’re probably feeling pretty excited about the prospect of working towards a straighter and healthier smile. However, your treatment is heavily dependent on a few things – one of which includes maintaining your oral health and hygiene. This means that if you aren’t brushing and flossing as needed, issues might develop that ultimately set back your timeline. Fortunately, it’s relatively simple to keep up with your at-home hygiene habits during your Invisalign treatment. Here are some tips to help you out when it comes to flossing.

No one can anticipate when a dental emergency might occur, but unfortunately, that doesn’t stop them from happening. If you’ve just chipped a tooth, you might think it’s not a big deal especially if there’s no pain or bleeding. If you’re under the impression that it’s not something to be worried about, you might not contact your dentist right away. If you wait, though, you risk further damage to your smile because your tooth’s structure is compromised. Keep reading to learn 4 steps you can take if you ever find yourself in this unhappy circumstance!