We know how busy life can get with all the commitments and things you have going on, but we also know the importance and impact that seeing your dentist on a regular basis can make in your health!
While you might be tempted to push your dentist appointment off since life is busy with so many other things, we don’t suggest doing this! Keep reading to find out more about the importance of your oral health and its effects on your overall body’s health.
What Do Routine Dental Cleanings Do For Your Health?
Regular dental cleanings are an important part of your dental health. Dental cleanings help to reduce the plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth which helps to fight off bacteria that can eventually lead to gum disease and cavities.
Routine dental cleanings often include a dental examination in which your dentist looks in your mouth for any signs of tooth decay. He also checks your tongue and under your tongue for signs of oral cancer. He examines the X-rays for signs of cavities and abnormalities such as a tooth infection.
If any issues are found, hopefully, they have been found early. Finding dental problems early is ideal because then they are usually in the beginning stages. Usually they can be treated in a timely manner. We know that problems that are put on hold for a period of time will likely become more extensive in treatment which often means more time and more money.
What Can Be Done To Improve Oral Health?
Your dental hygienist and your dentist can help you with suggestions for improving your oral health. One major perk to having your teeth cleaned on a regular basis is that she can see if there are areas where you may be missing with your toothbrush or floss. Ask her to point out areas that could use a little more attention.
There are many things that you can do at home to improve your oral health. Here are a few simple things that you can do:
- Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Flossing daily
- Using fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse
Oral health is very connected to your overall health, we know that improving one can make an improvement on the other. Here are some ways healthy was that you can also boost your oral health:
- Obtain a healthy BMI. Being overweight or underweight can affect your overall and oral health.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Make sure to include a variety of fruits and vegetables and add in some healthy fats and protein.
- Exercise can help to reduce your overall inflammation and increase good blood flow. These two things are also important to the health of your gum tissue.
- Drink water instead of sugary or acidic drinks to help reduce your risk of developing cavities.
How Often Should You Visit The Dentist?
For most healthy patients, the recommended interval for visiting your dentist is twice a year. If you are someone who gets a lot of buildup or is struggling with gum tissue inflammation, your dentist may recommend that you are seen sooner than 6 months.
Some systemic health conditions, such as diabetes, may increase the recommended interval to every 3 or 4 months instead of 6. The reason for this is that diabetes and the fluctuations of blood sugar can make it more difficult for you to keep your gum tissue healthy.
The recommended interval that is best for you is something that your dentist would be best to recommend. They have access to your medical and dental history, so we suggest that you ask them how often you should be seen. If you are looking to schedule your next dental check-up with us at Bridge Creek Dental, contact us today!