Can I Eat Before My Dentist Appointment?
Most of us brush our teeth before visiting the dentist, but what else should (or shouldn't) we do before an appointment? What about eating? Should you or shouldn't you? This...
A brand new year is a perfect time for a new beginning. If your main focus on resolutions of years past has been to exercise more, make better food choices, or even be more outgoing, you are not alone. While those are all excellent goals to establish and achieve, why not set another goal of taking better care of your teeth as well?
Give your oral hygiene routine a boost for a brighter and healthier smile. Taking complete care of your teeth will not only help you to avoid problems such as cavities, but it might help you achieve your other goals too.
Realizing the Link Between Your Oral Hygiene and Your Overall health
One of the most common resolutions people make is to take better care of their body through exercising and proper nutrition. However, did you know that the foods you choose and how often you eat them can affect your oral health too? For healthy living and healthy teeth and gums, think before you eat and drink. Eating a balanced diet and limiting your sugar and starch intake can reduce your risk for tooth decay and other health risks.
Improving Your Brushing and Flossing Habits
Daily brushing and flossing is a simple and effective way to improve your oral health. To successfully remove bacterial plaque that leads to cavities and tooth decay it is vital to brush at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Always clean your teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste and follow these basic guidelines:
- Gently position the toothbrush bristles at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline
- Move the toothbrush across the teeth to effectively remove plaque and food debris
- Brush for a full two minutes, twice a day
- Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, as well as after any illness
- Floss at least once per day to remove any trapped food debris or plaque
Daily tooth brushing and flossing help to prevent tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease. Give your oral hygiene routine a boost by incorporating an antimicrobial and fluoride mouth rinse to help improve your teeth and gums.
Making Healthier Choices in Food and Beverages
Frequent consumption of food and beverages containing sugars, acids, and carbohydrates all contribute to tooth decay. Making healthier food and beverage choices, especially for snacks, is an essential part of achieving your dental and overall health resolutions.
Quitting Tobacco
Cigarettes and other tobacco products are incredibly harmful to your health. There is no better time than the beginning of a new calendar year to quit smoking once and for all. Possible oral health impacts of smoking and all other tobacco products include:
- Stained teeth and tongue
- Bad breath
- Slow healing after dental treatments
- Dulled sensation of taste and smell
- Difficulties in correcting cosmetic dental problems
- Gum disease
- Oral cancer
Drinking More Water
Staying hydrated and drinking more water has a variety of healthful benefits, including keeping your teeth strong and healthy. Water contains fluoride, and this material protects your teeth from erosion. It also cleans acid and sugar off of your teeth with every sip you take. Set a goal to replace other drinks like soda, coffee and sports drinks with water and watch your body reap the benefits from this simple swap.
Seeing a Dentist Twice This Year
Do you put off semi-annual dental checkups and cleanings? Make a goal to see Dr. Hoffman twice this year and take advantage of the dental insurance benefits you are already paying for. Routine dental cleanings will remove plaque and tartar buildup that brushing and flossing alone cannot remove. Dental exams are also important because your dentist can catch any issues such as small cavities before they worsen.
Call Hoffman Dental Center today to schedule your first cleaning and exam of 2019.
