subject: Preventative Care- The Secret To Avoiding Costly Dental Problems Later In Life [print this page] Do you dread going to the dentist? Are you afraid of having dental surgery or procedures? To make your dental appointments as easy as possible and to avoid serious problems, you need to have comprehensive preventative dental care. If you take a few simple measures to take care of your oral health in the short term, you will avoid having to deal with larger, more costly issues later on in life.
Daily Oral Care
The most important thing you can do to take care of your oral health is to brush your teeth and floss every day. By doing this, you will fight the buildup of plaque on your teeth and help keep them free from tooth decay and gum disease. It is important to brush at least two times per day, generally in the morning and at night after meals. When you brush, do so for at least two minutes at a time to ensure you thoroughly clean your teeth. We recommend using an electric toothbrush with a timer to make sure you brush for the proper amount of time. When you brush, the space in between your teeth cannot be cleaned. To clean this area and avoid the buildup of plaque in between your teeth, you need to floss once per day. Without flossing, even brushing multiple times per day will not totally protect your teeth from plaque buildup.
Trips To The Dentist
Even if you are afraid of seeing your dentist, it is still important to see him or her on a regular basis. The more regularly you see your dentist, the more pleasant each experience will be because he or she may not have to perform any serious procedures. When you visit your dentist, the hygienist will clean your teeth in a way that you cannot at home. In addition, your dentist will give your teeth a thorough inspection to check for any problems. If he or she finds any, a treatment plan will be prescribed for you. The earlier a problem is caught, the easier the treatment will be.
Healthy Habits
Another way to maintain healthy teeth and gums is to eat a balanced diet. Avoiding sugary foods and drinks will limit the buildup of plaque on your teeth and help with your overall health. If you smoke or use tobacco products, quitting can greatly boost your oral health; as well as your overall health since tobacco can cause oral cancer, stained teeth, and gum disease. In addition, quitting smoking is essential for maintaining good overall health.
To learn more about preventative dental care and what you should be doing, contact your Williamsburg dentist at www.newtowndentalarts.net today.
