Of course, you will need to use these times wisely to reap the benefits:
Daily – At least twice every day brush your teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste or gel. Floss teeth thoroughly at day’s end when you have finished eating for the day. This will remove food debris your toothbrush did not get between teeth. Performing this important step before plaque has a chance to harden on teeth will make those dental visits easier. And reducing plaque build-up is important in preventing dental decay and gum disease.
Twice Yearly – A visit to your dentist every six months provides multiple benefits. Your dental provider will remove the plaque that has formed since your previous visit. A dental exam (including x-rays as needed) will reveal concerns like dental decay or gingivitis, and allow your dentist to look for symptoms that could lead to very serious problems such as oral cancer. Your teeth will be polished to look their best until your next visit.
Now that you have taken care of your teeth, there are lifestyle habits that may be impacting your dental and overall health that you may have overlooked:
Tobacco Use – The hazards associated with smoking (and all tobacco use) are well known, but this habit is extremely difficult to overcome. Your dentist has aids available to help. Quitting isn’t easy but could be the most important step you can take to save your life.
Exercise – Carving out thirty minutes every day to dedicate to organized exercising might feel impossible in your busy schedule. Little adjustments like taking the stairs instead of motorized transport or parking a little further away from your destination can add up to minutes of important movement.
Diet – Learn to read the labels on the products you consume. Too much sugar or unidentifiable contents may be harmful for your teeth and waistline.
The connection between oral and overall health continues to be researched, but current knowledge has linked them as contributors to each other … caring for both is critical for long term success.
For more information on dental health and it’s impact on your overall well-being, contact our office to schedule an appointment with our dental team!
