A good dentist is someone who knows how to fix your dental issues. A great dentist is someone who will not only fix them, but will focus on preventing them in the first place, so that you can stay healthy… and save time and money in the long run.

That’s why Dr. Kelly Smudde, whose practice was voted 2014 Best Dentist in Santa Clarita, loves to share cavity-preventing tips. And one thing she can’t stress enough is: Don’t forget to brush and floss.

“Every tooth has five surfaces you can see above the gum line,” says Dr. Kelly. “When you brush, you usually cover three surfaces; when you floss, you clean the other two.” So it’s really important to do both, says Dr. Kelly, especially during this season of candy and treats.

But what if you just hate flossing, or don’t really know how? The good news, says Dr. Kelly, is that there are many different types of “flossers” out there. You have the regular stringed floss. You have floss picks (which you can hold with one hand). And you have oral irrigators (otherwise known as a “water flosser” or “dental water jet”). Hate the taste of mint? There are now many different floss flavors to choose from – bubblegum, cranberry, even cupcake or bacon.

Santa Clarita Dentists

All these, however, don’t replace regularly seeing your dentist or hygienist.

Here’s why: Some areas of the mouth are really hard to reach and to clean (we’re looking at you, wisdom teeth!). When bacteria build up in these places, that’s how you get dental plaque.

Says Dr. Kelly: “If bacteria are strong enough to eat away the hardest surfaces in your body (your teeth enamel), think of what it’s doing to the flesh, to your gums.” It’s best to see a professional to make sure you’re getting all that bacteria out, in a non-surgical way, and that’s what getting a cleaning at your dental office is about.

Still not convinced?

Try seeing it this way: Your head is connected to your whole body. Blood flows through your teeth and gums, and throughout the rest of your organs. Anything unhealthy that’s going on in your mouth (periodontal issues) can potentially impact your overall health. For instance, it can lead to low birth-weight babies, heart disease, or complications with diabetes.

So it’s really a good idea not to put off a thorough dental cleaning and check-up. “More often than not,” says Dr. Kelly, “people feel a lot better after their cleaning, and their bodies are more in sync. By getting the bacteria out of your body, your body would not be working as hard. We’re helping out your white blood cells, getting the bacteria out, so your body doesn’t work too hard on its own.”

Aside from providing state-of-the-art dental care, Dr. Smudde’s award-winning practice also offers free health and oral cancer screening, to make sure patients are in their best overall health.

For more information about Smudde Advanced Cosmetic Dentistry or to schedule an appointment, call (661) 505-6445 or click here. Their offices are located at 27450 Tourney Road, Suite 250 in Valencia, Santa Clarita.