You’ve produced a long list of improvements that you want to make this year, but did you remember to include better oral health? If not, don’t worry, because you still have an opportunity to start a new trend of improved dental wellness. Read on as your dentist in Joplin gives 5 oral care tips that will help you out!
Tip #1 – Brush Your Teeth Twice Daily
Many people are consistent at brushing their teeth in the morning, but with busy lives, they may forget to perform the second session. That can be detrimental to one’s oral health, and it can contribute to the development of tooth decay.
By brushing before retiring for bed, you can limit the growth of bacteria that naturally occurs while you sleep.
Tip #2 – Making Flossing a Priority
While brushing is vital to your oral health, it can only clean around 60% of the surface of your teeth. To remove the debris and bacteria that can get trapped in tight spaces requires the use of dental floss. The flexible material makes it easier to get into the area between your teeth, which also contributes to you maintaining healthy gums.
Tip #3 – Make Healthier Food Choices
If you have an affinity for snack foods, then finding more wholesome alternatives will do wonders for the health of your teeth and gums. That’s because eating more foods like fruits and vegetables allows you to receive vital nutrients that even benefit your overall wellness.
Tip #4 – Limit Alcohol Consumption
Alcoholic beverages have a high sugar content, which also happens to be the favorite food of bacteria. Thus, consuming an abundance on a regular basis can make you more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease.
Tip #5 – Make Dental Visits a Priority
If visiting a dentist for preventive care hasn’t previously been a priority, then this year is a great time to commit to making some changes in this area. Here are some of the benefits you stand to gain:
- You’ll receive a cleaning that will remove harmful plaque and tartar from your teeth and along the gumline.
- Your dentist will perform a tedious examination to find any threats to your oral health so they can be addressed quickly and effectively.
- You’ll be able to ask any questions you have and receive expert advice on ways to improve your dental health.
- Expect big cost savings when you make preventive care a priority. That’s because the visits are usually fully covered, and you’ll also see cost savings down the road by avoiding complex issues.
Now that you know how to make the improvements needed in your oral health, the next step is to reach out to your local dentist to schedule an initial visit. By being proactive, you can expect excellent oral health this year!
About the Author
A graduate of Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Dan K. Young has ben practicing dentistry for the past two decades. Constantly striving to expand his knowledge, he has received postgraduate training at such institutions as the Dawson Center for Learning and the Nash Institute for Dental Learning. Dr. Young helps patients start new oral health trends at Young Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, and he can be reached for more information through his website.