Here’s a staggering statistic: about 30% of adults have dental health issues, whether we’re talking about cavities caused by an improper oral hygiene or some form of gum disease. The problem is that most of them remain untreated. More often than not, the patient is too afraid to seek help, or lacks access to dental healthcare.
Here is the good news: while regularly visiting your Dallas dentist is paramount, there are a few simple things you could do at home to maintain a healthy smile.
Brush Properly
Brushing your teeth is perhaps the simplest way to maintain good oral hygiene. However, how you do it matters just as much. Here are some tips recommended by ADA:
- Brush them twice a day with a soft brush
- Replace the toothbrush every three/four months (or sooner if it’s damaged)
- Don’t ignore the outer surfaces, inner surfaces, or chewing surfaces
Floss Every Day
It’s essential to floss every single day to remove plaque stuck between the teeth and keep the gums healthy. A healthy habit of flossing can prevent tooth decay and gingivitis.
Schedule Regular Dentist Appointments
Even if you have a good cleaning routine in place, it doesn’t mean you can skip your regular dental visits. As a rule of thumb, make an appointment every six months, either for routine check-ups or professional cleaning to keep your mouth healthy.
Avoid Staining Beverages
Coffee, tea, wine, and sugary beverages can stain your teeth in the long run. Although you can clean most superficial stains, prolonged consumption can leave visible marks on your teeth. Not to mention, some of these beverages are high in sugar and can cause cavities.
Stop Smoking
You’ve heard this a million times: smoking is bad for you. Apart from the serious health problems it can cause, such as pulmonary or throat cancer and cardiovascular diseases, smoking can also stain your teeth and damage the gums.
Don’t Delay Treatment
Whenever a dental issue appears, chances are it won’t disappear on its own, no matter how small it may seem. It’s vital to see your dentist for diagnosis and treatment. If left alone, some dental issues can evolve and turn into problems that will cost you a lot and require invasive procedures.
Don’t Ignore Other Health Issues
Diabetes, high blood pressure, stress (which can cause teeth grinding), and obesity can all affect the health of your teeth. It may sound superficial, but your smile is a reflection of your health.
Hydrate Your Body
Have a glass of water instead of a sugary beverage. This healthy habit will cleanse any impurities left in your mouth after eating and reduce the possibility of tooth decay.
Purchase a Good Toothbrush
Toothbrushes are not created equally. What works for your spouse or friend may not work for you. A good toothbrush needs to fit your mouth properly so that it can reach all areas with ease.
Choose Good Whitening Products
Although we know for a fact that whitening products don’t damage the tooth, it is still wise to choose one that addresses your specific needs. Consult with a professional and ask them to recommend the appropriate whitening products for you.
A healthy smile is indicative of much more than just good dental health. Be sure not to delay your dentist appointment any longer. Contact us at Dallas Dental Wellness and let our team of professionals give you that gorgeous smile.
Sources:
http://www.nationalsmilemonth.org/oral-health-tips/
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hus/hus16.pdf#060
https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/DataStatistics/SurgeonGeneral/sgr/home.htm
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs318/en/
http://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/ADA_PatientSmart_Brushing.pdf?la=en
