Your smile is what lights up the room when you walk in, but it goes way beyond aesthetics. A healthy body includes a healthy mouth. Many people run into serious dental issues as they get older. Fortunately, most of these issues can be prevented.
Go to the Dentist Twice a Year
The American Dental Association recommends going to the dentist every 6 months, or twice per year. That is also what most dental insurance plans cover. These regular visits are important for several reasons. First, going to the dentist every 6 months ensures a thorough cleaning of your teeth two times every year. Your hygienist can clean spots that you tend to miss and remove hardened plaque that regular brushing can’t get. Frequent appointments with your dentist also ensure that any dental issues that come up will be caught early on. Most dental problems can be reversed if treated early enough. However, advanced dental issues can lead to lost teeth and costly treatments.
Improve Your Dental Routine
Most people understand the importance of brushing at least twice a day. Brushing your teeth is vital for a healthy mouth. However, only about 20% of people in the United States floss every day. This is a staggering figure when flossing is the only way to reach the spaces in between your teeth. Floss helps remove food particles between your teeth so you can prevent plaque buildup. Flossing every day is a crucial way to fight cavities and prevent gum disease.
Watch What You Eat
When you want something to thrive, you feed it. Unfortunately, that is also true for things you don’t want around, such as the bacteria that make up the sticky, filmy plaque that forms on your teeth. Plaque thrives especially well on soda, starchy foods like white bread, and sticky sweets like taffy and caramels. Of course, the foods that make you healthy also lead to a healthy mouth. These include fruits and vegetables, as well as foods high in calcium, such as cheese, milk, and yogurt.
Dental problems won’t go away on their own. It is always important to get any issues checked out right away. There is also a lot that you can do to prevent major dental issues from starting up in the first place. A healthy diet, a committed dental hygiene regime, and regular visits to the dentist should ward off any major problems. You want to keep your beautiful smile for life, so take care of it like the precious gift that it is!
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