Important Steps to Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy
A healthy mouth is the gateway to a healthy body, so it is wise to do everything you can to protect your oral health.
A good relationship with a family dentist is the foundation of healthy teeth and gums. When you visit your dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups, the dentist is able to monitor any changes and identify symptoms of oral diseases in their earliest stages. It’s easier to treat these conditions before they’ve advanced.
Also, if you already have an established relationship with a dentist, you’ll know who to contact in case you have a dental emergency.
Regular dental cleanings completed by an experienced hygienist will also help to minimize the presence of oral bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
Patients should also be aware of the signs of potential problems, like red or swollen gums or toothache, so that they can bring those symptoms to their dentist’s attention.
Taking good care of your teeth and gums requires more than twice-yearly visits to the dentist, though. What you do at home is just as important as what happens in the dental office. Be sure to brush twice a day and floss daily. Ask your dental hygienist or dentist to demonstrate for you so that you’re using the right technique.
Do you know if you’re brushing for a long enough period of time? Aim for about two minutes—any less doesn’t get the job done, and any more isn’t very effective, either. Patients who have problems with excessive plaque and tartar may also want to add an anti-bacterial mouthwash to their routines.
A healthy diet also will help you maintain a healthy smile. Get lots of fruits and vegetables and cut down on the sugary drinks and snacks.
If you take good care of your teeth and gums, you can have a beautiful, healthy smile for a lifetime. Discuss your daily routine with our dental team to see if you need to make any changes and adjustments. Call 907-276-5522 and ask for any recommendations of steps you can take to achieve optimal oral health.