Healthy teeth and gums mean more than a pretty smile. Maintaining great oral health is important to overall health. Research has proven there is a correlation between dental health and stroke, heart health, diabetes, and more serious life threatening conditions. Regular visits to the dentist for cleaning and a dental exam are paramount to enjoying optimum oral health.
Four Key Requirements for Great Oral Health
- Brushing: This sounds pretty basic, but how you brush and the tools you use can make a huge difference in the results you achieve.
- Flossing: There are multiple types of dental floss on the market, so finding one that you would be encouraged to use daily should be easy.
- Diet: Sounds like a no-brainer; but many people believe that sugar is the only culprit when it comes to dental health. Research has proven otherwise.
- Professional Oral Care: For most patients, twice yearly visits are sufficient. Patients suffering with periodontal disease may require more frequent cleanings annually.
Investing in the Proper Tools and Sufficient Time Will Pay Great Rewards
Use a soft bristle toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste twice a day. Brush using a circular motion making sure to reach the front, back, and top of all teeth. Massage gums by brushing them as well. To properly clean teeth, you should brush at least two minutes twice daily.
Floss once daily to remove what your toothbrush missed. Most people don’t realize that brushing only reaches about two thirds of the teeth’s surfaces – flossing gets the other third. Rinse thoroughly when done.
Think sugar is the only thing to avoid to prevent decay? Anything with carbs can contribute to plaque forming on teeth. When allowed to harden, plaque becomes tartar. If plaque and tartar aren’t removed, dental decay and gum disease can develop.
What you drink truly matters. Water should be your beverage of choice. Add fresh fruit or perk up plain water with a sugar free flavoring. Sparkling water, sugar free coffee and tea are all on the approved list. Limit or completely avoid soda.
If it’s time to schedule your next dental exam and cleaning, contact our team at Hulen Crossing Family Dental today.
