5 Dental Health Tips to Live By

Our Plano TX dental office is a leader in providing restorative and cosmetic dental care. There are few things as challenging as dealing with dental problems. We hate seeing patients who are in pain or those who cannot comfortably eat the food they love.

Unfortunately, we don’t always realize the importance of what we have until it’s gone. At 1st in Smiles, we want you to avoid running into major dental problems. So today we have a few dental health tips that you can follow to make sure your teeth stay healthy for the rest of your life.

1. Never skip flossing! Having been in the dental field, we know when someone is being dishonest about flossing. It’s OK, we’re not trying to make you feel bad, but we can tell when you’re not properly cleaning your teeth. Every time you come into our office, we remind you to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. Sometimes that goes in one ear and out the other. But consider this fact: only about 65 percent of the tooth is above the gum line. The rest of the tooth is beneath the gum line. That means by not flossing, you missing cleaning about 35 percent of the tooth.
2. Don’t ignore aches and pain. Your teeth and gums should not hurt! In our culture, sometimes we like to ignore pain. But ignoring problems in your mouth is unwise. Some mild tenderness can balloon into full-on toothaches, and bleeding or swollen gums can lead to serious problems like gum disease. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, and it is connected to problems like diabetes and heart disease. So, if you have aches and pains, visit our office for an exam!
3. Don’t skip regular cleanings. Cleanings and exams are an essential part in maintaining a healthier mouth. We can take digital X-rays to see what’s really going on in your tooth. We also use digital technology to pinpoint cavities. A cleanings and polish will help prevent tooth decay. When we polish the teeth, it’s more difficult for harmful bacteria and plaque to stick to the surface of the tooth.
4. Think about what you’re eating. Sticky foods or foods high in carbohydrates increase your risk of tooth decay. Sticky foods, not surprisingly, stick to the surface of the teeth and tend to stay there longer than most substances. Foods like bread also find a way to get wedged between the teeth or in tiny crevices. But there are also foods that can help battle tooth decay, such as cheeses and milk, which help balance the acid levels in the mouth.
5. Stick with water. You probably know that soda is choked full of sugar and dangerous for your teeth. Drinking soda regularly will drastically increase your chances of tooth decay. Water isn’t just a healthier option, but it also can help rehydrate you and wash food debris from the mouth.

Just practicing one of these tips will help you maintain better oral health, but we hope you can find a way to implement all of these tips. We want to help you keep your teeth healthy for the rest of your life. Don’t hesitate to call us today at 972-380-8105.