Keeping your mouth healthy
- Mar 15 2017
Great dental care is essential to your well-being. After all, the state of your mouth can affect your overall health in ways you might not even be thinking about. Here are a few things that we like our New York patients to remember when it comes to keeping a mouth healthy and happy.
A healthy mouth requires both at-home and in-office care
We recommend that you see a dentist for a cleaning and examination twice a year. In the office, you can receive top-of-the-line care and be checked for any cavities, bone issues, or questionable gum situations, like cancerous spots. If something in your mouth feels off, don’t delay making an appointment for a check up. Treating conditions early can prevent larger issues down the line. Oral care doesn’t end there, though. It’s important that you establish and maintain a solid dental routine at home, too. This includes brushing and flossing, using mouthwash, and keeping an eye out for any issues like sensitivity.
You should be using the right tools
Though you won’t have access to a dentist’s professional scrubbing brushes and cleaning products at home, investing in a good electric toothbrush, an oral irrigator, and an ADA-approved toothpaste can leave your mouth feeling squeaky clean even if your next appointment is months away. While it might cost more to purchase these tools upfront, the equipment will be worth it when you have fewer dental problems down the line.
What you consume matters
Think about the things that you eat and drink on a daily basis. If your mouth is constantly surrounded by sugar, acid, or other damaging ingredients, it might be time to reconsider your diet. This doesn’t have to mean cutting out all of your favorite treats, but it does mean thoughtfully considering the amount of these things that you consume. Even holding off a little bit can make a big difference. You should also take time to brush and floss after meals and snacks, especially if they are sticky, flaky, or otherwise likely to linger around in your mouth.
It’s important to ask questions
So many patients are reserved when it comes to talking about their mouths while in the office chair, and this is particularly frustrating as the nuances of oral health can be complex and contradicting. Remember that there’s no such thing as a bad question when it comes to keeping your mouth healthy. Don’t just trust advice from friends and online forums. Instead, make the most of your appointments by speaking with a trained professional.
Dental problems aren’t always obvious
We all aspire to have bright, white smiles. However, it is important to keep in mind that outside appearances don’t always reflect the state of your oral health. Cavities can easily develop in the hard-to-see spots in the back of your mouth. Overuse of whitening products can cause sensitivity in some individuals. Enjoying too many acidic drinks can wear down your enamel. Cancerous lesions can pop up on an otherwise healthy tongue or set of gums. The bottom line is that oral health is marked by more than just looks. Take some time to take care of your mouth as a whole.
Categories: Dental Health