If we are not careful, our teeth can break down over time, the foods we eat, a lack of appropriate oral hygiene, and various other causes. The various dental operations required to correct these disorders can be time-consuming and costly. Fortunately, there are many things you can do at home to help avoid dental problems and improve your smile’s beauty. We have prepared this page to help you and your family know of some basic family dental care tips that will save you money in the long term. At Prevention Dental in Boise, Idaho, we care about all of our patients, young and old! We encourage you to read on to discover more about family hygiene tips.   Bi-Annual Dental Cleaning You should always make sure you are current on your bi-annual dental visits. A professional can perform a simple dental cleaning to ensure that your teeth remain healthy and strong. If there are any problems, the dentist can detect them early and assist you in resolving them as quickly as possible. We work with everyone to make a bi-annual visit affordable because we care about your smile just as much as you do. Being a family dentist, we have options for young kids and adults. Since kids have baby teeth, they require different treatment than adults. We are proud to say we offer the care they need!  When you come in for your bi-annual appointment, you can expect an oral exam, a professional cleaning, and x-rays at least once a year. Cavities, gum disease, decay, misalignment, and overcrowding are all checked for during an oral exam. If everything appears in order and healthy, we will give you a professional cleaning. Using a scaler, which looks like a metal hook, the hygienist will remove plaque from the enamel surface and in any of the pits and fissures. Plaque removal is necessary for good oral hygiene; it will build up and create cavities if we don’t remove it.   After removing all plaque, a professional will use a high-powered polishing brush to deep clean your teeth. The brush will thoroughly clean your teeth’s enamel and make them feel new. The hygienist will also floss your teeth and give you a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a white, sticky substance used to protect your teeth from cavities.  For kids, they should also come in for a bi-annual visit. They will receive an examination and professional cleaning as well. Their exam will help the dentist know if their adult teeth are developing correctly. Kids generally have more cavities than adults, so we often recommend sealants. The sooner you bring your child into our office, the sooner we can help them build strong and lasting oral hygiene habits.    At-Home Family Oral Hygiene Tips Bi-yearly visits are one of the best ways to keep your teeth clean and strong. If any issue arises, we can spot it quickly and easily take care of it. However, there are some things that you can do at home to keep up your oral hygiene. Below is a list of things that both adults and young kids can do at home!  Check to see if you’re using the correct toothbrush. We recommend using an electric toothbrush, but if you don’t have one, make sure to replace your toothbrush regularly because the bristles can flatten and become less effective. Brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day. You should floss at least once a day. Although it is the most effective strategy to avoid periodontal disease, this is sometimes overlooked. Use mouthwash! It will remove any germs that have remained in the corners of your mouth. You should avoid sugary foods. Sugar is one of the most prevalent causes of cavities because it may readily accumulate in all of your mouth’s crevices, resulting in hardened plaque. Keep your teeth in good shape. It may seem obvious, but avoid using your teeth to open packages or chew on hard candies or ice. Simple things can help you take better care of your teeth. Drink plenty of water! Water is beneficial not just to your general health but also to your oral health.   At Prevention Dental in Boise, Idaho, we value your smile, and we want to do what we can to help you keep it strong and healthy. These family hygiene tips are for all ages! If you have any questions about specific oral hygiene practices, please call us! We look forward to seeing you at your bi-yearly visit!