Oral Health is so important because everyone wants to have a healthy smile! Having poor oral hygiene can lead to a variety of dental and medical problems. Some of these are gum disease, infection, bone loss, heart disease, strokes and more. Here are 5 tips that dentists recommend for maintaining or improving your oral health.
Regular dental exams are important for detection and prevention of oral diseases. During the dental exam, we will ask you about any health problems you have or medications you’re taking and discuss how they might affect your oral health.We will evaluate need for tooth restoration or tooth replacement, and check your bite and jaw for problems.
To maintain excellent oral hygiene, you should be booking in to see your Grand Prairie dentist every three to six months. Make it a habit to visit your dentist for cleanings and check-ups twice a year. A dentist will check your teeth for cavities, bone and gum health, and other oral conditions that only a dentist can find.
During the dental exam, we will also look for signs of oral cancer in the mouth and throat areas. We may also take digital X-rays, or perform additional diagnostic procedures to develop a comprehensive treatment plan, which will be reviewed with you at the completion of the exam.
Eating the right kinds of food is important in keeping your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy. Make sure you include in your diet a lot of vegetables and fruits that are high in fiber and calcium. Limiting your intake of sugary or acidic foods is vital to your dental health. When it comes to the health of your teeth, you really are what you eat. Your diet makes a big difference when it comes to a healthy smile.
Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day and rinse your mouth after every meal. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing will help you get rid of the germs and plaque and keep your teeth healthy. Brushing and flossing help control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease. It is also important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing, and also after meals if you are unable to brush. If you are using an over-the-counter product for rinsing, it’s a good idea to consult with your dentist or dental hygienist on which product is best for you.
By smoking, your mouth becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. Smoking also may give you foul breath, delays the time it takes to heal from oral surgery, causes your teeth to become yellow, and increases your chances of getting oral cancer.
Mouthguards can be extremely beneficial to people who grind or clench their teeth in their sleep. These can be over the counter type or custom made. Additionally, using guard during sports activity (even if non-contact) to cover your teeth and protect them from injury is a great idea!
