Home Dental Care Tips from Spring Creek Dental in Fort Collins

Spring Creek Dental at 2001 S Shields St, Bldg C1, is your answer. We’ve been a trusted local practice since 1977.

Brush twice daily, floss once a day, use mouthwash, and visit us regularly. See our tips above for details!

Every six months for cleanings and exams keeps your teeth in top shape.

Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that coats teeth. Its effects include: 

• Tooth decay: Plaque produces acids that erode enamel, causing cavities.  
• Gum disease: It irritates gums, leading to gingivitis or worse if unchecked.  
• Tartar buildup: Unremoved plaque hardens, complicating oral hygiene.

Brushing and flossing daily are critical to control plaque and protect oral health.

To prevent gum disease and cavities, floss correctly: 

• Take 18 inches of floss and wrap it around your middle fingers.  
• Hold it taut and gently slide it between teeth.  
• Curve the floss into a C-shape around each tooth.  
• Move it up and down against the tooth and under the gumline.  
• Use a fresh section of floss for each tooth.
• Proper flossing targets hard-to-reach areas, keeping your gums and teeth healthy.

Are you dealing with teeth grinding, also known as bruxism? Don’t worry—there are effective ways to stop it and keep your smile healthy. Untreated bruxism can cause tooth damage, jaw pain, and headaches, so taking action is key. Here’s how you can prevent teeth grinding:

• Relax and unwind: Stress often triggers teeth grinding. Try calming techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing to ease tension and reduce the urge to grind.
• Limit stimulants: Caffeine and alcohol can worsen grinding by disrupting sleep and increasing jaw activity. Cut back, especially before bedtime, to help your jaw relax.
• Wear a mouthguard: A custom-fitted mouthguard from your Fort Collins dentist acts as a protective barrier, keeping your teeth safe while you sleep.

Still grinding? Schedule a consultation with our Fort Collins dental team. We’ll design a personalized plan to stop bruxism and protect your teeth!

For effective teeth cleaning, use this technique: 

• Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect gums and enamel.  
• Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline.  
• Brush with gentle, circular motions—not hard scrubbing.  
• Clean all surfaces: outer, inner, and chewing.  
• Brush for at least two minutes to ensure thoroughness.

This method maximizes plaque removal while keeping your gums safe.

Keeping your smile cavity-free and your oral health in top condition is easier than you think! Here’s how you can prevent cavities and maintain healthy teeth, straight from our Fort Collins dental team:

• Brush twice a day: Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your enamel and remove plaque buildup.
• Floss daily: Clean between your teeth to get rid of food particles and plaque that brushing misses.
• Cut back on sugary and acidic foods: These can wear down enamel and increase your risk of decay.
• Schedule regular dental visits: Come to our Fort Collins office every six months for professional cleanings and checkups.
• Explore extra protection: Ask us about dental sealants and fluoride treatments to give your teeth an added shield against cavities.

By sticking to these simple habits, you’ll keep your teeth strong and your smile shining. Our Fort Collins team is here to offer personalized care—reach out today for more tips or to book your next visit!