Dental health plays such an important role in our overall health. With 2019 around the corner, now is a great time to make a New Year’s resolution to commit to a healthy mouth. The sooner you get on track towards routine dental care, the easier it gets!
Importance of seeing the dentist regularly
The importance of routine dental care shouldn’t be underestimated. There are many good reasons to see your dentist on a regular basis.
- Seeing your hygienist twice a year ensures you have a clean and healthy mouth.
- Early signs of decay, gingivitis, gum disease or other dental problems (i.e. grinding of teeth) can be detected.
- Professional examinations and x-rays uncover broken fillings and fractured teeth.
- Routine cleanings go a long way towards eliminating persistent bad breath problems.
If any other health issues are present, your dentist knows what warning signs to look for and treat. This can prevent minor health issues from becoming serious. Plus, you’ll boost your self-esteem, feel good about yourself, and gain the confidence a bright healthy smile brings. It’s a feeling unlike any other!
Healthy mouth habits
To prevent cavities, gum disease and improve your oral health, in addition to routinely seeing your dentist, committing to a few healthy dental hygiene habits goes a long way.
- Brush teeth twice a day using a soft bristle (hard bristles can wear on your enamel).
- Floss daily to remove food particles and bacterial plaque.
- Eat a healthy diet and cut back on sugar-laden foods.
- Keep sugarless gum on hand if you chew gum.
- Quit smoking or using smokeless tobacco products.
- Use an ADA approved mouthwash.
While you’re resolving to take better care of your teeth this year, get yourself a brand new toothbrush as well. We recommend you replace your brush about every three months.
Get over the hurdle and make the commitment
The importance of dental care shouldn’t be undermined. If you are struggling with pain, sensitivity, bleeding gums, or other mouth discomforts, it is wise to consult a prosthodontist. Ignoring the problem only prolongs the situation and you could end up feeling worse by delaying treatment. Even if you aren’t feeling any discomfort, you want to be sure to get routine preventative dental care to help keep yourself healthy.
Don’t be embarrassed for not keeping up with making appointments or keeping up with a dental routine, it happens to the best of us. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease and Prevention, about 36 percent of adults don’t see the dentist every year. Between family issues, work, and traveling, life sometimes gets busy and scheduling appointments off our radars. Sometimes people have a hard time getting past their anxiety over going to the dentist or they put it off because they don’t have the insurance to help cover costs.
If any of this sounds familiar, pick up the phone today and make an appointment. Don’t worry, you’ll never be judged for having poor dental health. Whatever the reason and no matter how long it’s been, making the first step now is what counts. Many problems are reversible once you make the commitment to good oral health.
Start the New Year off right and call Greater Baltimore Prosthodontics at (410) 296-0136 to get yourself on the path to good oral health.