It’s Oral Health Month, which makes it the perfect time to pause and ask:
Are you doing everything you can to protect your smile?

At Bassett Creek Dental in Golden Valley, we hear a lot of great questions from patients, parents, professionals, teens, and everyone in between. So today, we’re answering the ones that come up most often.

Let’s dive in.

Is Flossing Really That Important?

Short answer: Yes. Absolutely.

Long answer: Your toothbrush only cleans about 60% of your tooth surface. The other 40%? That’s between your teeth and along the gumline—where plaque loves to hide.

Flossing:

• Removes food particles your brush can’t reach

• Reduces gum inflammation

• Helps prevent cavities between teeth

• Lowers your risk of gum disease

If you’re brushing twice a day but skipping flossing, it’s a little like showering but ignoring your armpits. Not ideal.

Best tip for consistency? Floss while watching your favorite show. Keep floss in a visible place so it becomes part of your nightly routine.

Aim for at least once per day.

Can Drinking Water Help Prevent Cavities?

Yes—and it’s one of the simplest habits you can adopt.

Drinking water after meals or snacks helps:

• Rinse away sugar and acids

• Reduce bacteria growth

• Neutralize acid levels in your mouth

• Support saliva production

If your local water supply contains fluoride (which most Twin Cities communities do), that’s an added bonus. Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps prevent decay.

Water is a simple, affordable way to protect your smile—especially if you enjoy coffee, tea, wine, or the occasional sweet treat.

Are Baby Teeth Really That Important?

Yes. Even though they’re temporary, baby teeth play a critical role in your child’s development.

Primary teeth:

• Hold space for permanent teeth

• Support proper speech development

• Allow proper chewing and nutrition

• Guide jaw growth and facial development

Cavities in baby teeth can lead to pain, infection, and even impact adult teeth forming underneath.

Early oral habits matter. Kids who learn strong brushing and flossing routines are much more likely to maintain good oral hygiene into adulthood.

If you’re unsure about your child’s brushing technique or cavity risk, we’re always happy to help.

How Often Should I Visit the Dentist?

For most patients, every six months is recommended.

Regular visits allow us to:

• Catch small issues before they become expensive problems

• Remove hardened plaque (tartar)

• Screen for oral cancer

• Monitor gum health

• Keep your smile bright and healthy

Some patients with gum disease or higher cavity risk may need visits every 3–4 months. We tailor recommendations to your specific needs.

Preventive care is always easier and more comfortable than restorative treatment.

What’s the Safest Way to Whiten My Teeth?

If you’re considering teeth whitening, professional guidance matters.

Over-the-counter whitening products can:

• Cause sensitivity

• Irritate gums

• Produce uneven results

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is through a cosmetic consultation. We evaluate:

• The cause of discoloration

• Your enamel health

• Existing restorations

• Your sensitivity history

From there, we recommend professional whitening or other cosmetic options that are safe and customized for your smile.

Holiday photos, weddings, big presentations—whatever the reason, whitening should be done the right way.

What Is the Most Important Thing I Can Do for My Oral Health?

If we had to narrow it down:

• Brush twice daily

• Floss once daily

• Drink water regularly

• Visit your dentist every six months

Simple habits. Powerful impact.

Have More Questions About Your Smile?

We love when patients come prepared with questions. Bring a list to your next visit, no question is too small.

If you live in Golden Valley, Plymouth, Crystal, Robbinsdale, New Hope, or surrounding Twin Cities communities, we’d love to help you protect your smile.

Call Bassett Creek Dental at
(763) 546–1301 or schedule your visit online.