Even if you take excellent care of your teeth and gums at home, it is still imperative to see a dentist regularly. At Innovative Dental and Orthodontics we can check for problems that you may not see or feel.
Believe it or not, good oral health is equal to general good health. Scientific evidence supports this. Taking good care of your teeth and gums does more than just give you a bright smile. When you neglect your oral health many things can occur. For example, inflammation from gum disease can lead to issues with the heart like heart disease, blockages, and strokes. Some of the findings even suggest that poor oral hygiene can affect the memory. These are all compelling reasons why it’s a good idea to take care of your teeth and gums because there are many positive benefits. Make an appointment to see a dentist as soon as possible.
It’s not difficult to cultivate healthy teeth and gums. There are a few things that we can do that go a long way towards maintaining a healthy smile and good oral health. Of course, brushing and flossing are two primary actions that we should be practicing on a daily basis. However, there are a few more steps that we can take to seal the deal. Visiting the dentist routinely, at least twice yearly, and eating a healthy diet are the other two pieces to the puzzle. Visiting the dentist twice a year will ensure that you’re getting regular checkups and professional cleanings. Some people even opt for dental sealants which form a protective coating on the surface of your teeth as an additional protective measure against tooth decay.
In terms of brushing, use a fluoride based toothpaste and brush for at least 2-3 minutes and rinse well. Brush your tongue too. As the last step, floss to remove all particles of food that brushing can’t remove. When food is left between the teeth plaque forms and it can harden and become tartar. Tartar has to be removed by a dentist once it forms and hardens. Antibacterial mouth rinses are another effective weapon to use after brushing. Repeat this process daily, after meals, in order to maintain healthy teeth and gums. In addition, replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months.
A healthy diet should include a variety of different foods, however, you should pay particular attention to sugars and starches because they produce the highest amounts of acids in the mouth. These acids are damaging to the teeth in many ways. They can eat away at the enamel on your teeth and cause tooth decay, not to mention create a whole host of other problems. Most of us don’t brush after we eat snacks. That’s why it’s a good idea to pay attention to our consumption of sugary foods that can lead to tooth decay. Salty snacks can stick to your teeth as well, creating an environment ripe for tooth decay. Keep starchy sugary snacks to a minimum because they can be a menace to good oral health and hygiene.
There are several components to good oral health and hygiene that everyone must practice to maintain their oral health. Brushing and flossing should be a part of everyone’s daily habits, just as getting regular dental checkups and professional teeth cleanings. A healthy diet plays a part in oral health as well. Practicing good oral hygiene positively impacts more than just your teeth and gums, it has the power to positively impact other areas of your health as well. Conversely, poor oral health has that same power. Poor oral health has been linked to heart disease and other health conditions. Clearly, taking good care of our teeth and gums goes a long way in terms of helping us to maintain a healthy smile and protecting our overall health and wellness.
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