When you picture oral healthcare in your head, what do you think of? Most people think that brushing is enough to keep their mouth healthy, but there’s so much more that you can do to maintain good oral health. It’s important to practice a proper healthcare routine because your oral health is linked with your overall health. Thankfully, your dentist in Piedmont has some pro tips on the best ways to keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape.
Why is Oral Healthcare Important?
Besides keeping your smile looking great, oral healthcare is important because it prevents more serious issues from occurring. Without a proper oral healthcare routine, you can get cavities, decay, gum disease, and more dental problems. Decay and gum disease are linked to a higher risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. That’s why keeping your mouth clean is always important.
At-Home Oral Healthcare
Here are some of the best ways you can care for your teeth while at home:
Brushing and Flossing
Be sure to brush twice a day and floss once to remove plaque and bacteria from your smile. These can cause cavities, bad breath, and more extensive and expensive treatments down the road.
Mouthwash
For a finishing touch to your brushing and flossing routine, you can rinse your mouth with mouthwash. This will clean areas of your mouth that your brushing and flossing couldn’t reach, and it’ll leave you with minty fresh breath. Just make sure you choose a mouthwash with the ADA (American Dental Association) seal on it.
Diet
Your good oral health routine doesn’t stop in the bathroom, but you can take it to the kitchen as well. Limiting your consumption of sugary or acidic foods like candy and other treats can prevent cavities and decay from forming in the first place.
Oral Healthcare with Your Dentist
Even after you’ve been taking great care of your teeth and gums, you should still see your dentist for a preventive checkup and cleaning every 6 months.
Checkup
During your dental checkup, your dentist will examine your mouth, head, jaw, and neck to check for any abnormalities. They will also take X-Rays to get an inside look at your teeth. Many dental issues can’t be seen with the naked eye, which is why X-Rays are important.
Cleaning
After your checkup, an expert dental hygienist will give your smile a thorough cleaning. They will remove tartar that can’t be cleaned by your normal routine to prevent issues like gum disease, and then they’ll polish your pearly whites to deliver you a healthy feeling and looking grin.
Use these tips to keep your mouth as healthy as possible. That way your smile will not only look great, but you’ll be taking care of your oral and overall health, too.
About the Practice
At Tylan Creek Family Dentistry, we have a team of 6 expert dentists who each have a passion for providing the most quality care possible. They believe in preventive dentistry, which is why they want you to know the best ways to take care of your oral health. For any questions, they can be reached through their website or by phone at (864) 603-2200.