Preventative Care Is Best! How to Practice Good Oral HealthCare

Most people do not consider going to the dentist to be a fun and exciting time. I don’t know why, but it’s true! Most people think of only pain (and maybe the screeching, grinding sounds of the instruments) when they consider going to the dentist. What most do not understand is the fact that a routine cleaning is NOT painful! Brushing and flossing are also NOT painful! The pain comes when you let your dental care fall by the wayside and you end up with multiple cavities and infected gums and teeth. Don’t let your mouth get in this condition!

Preventive care is the best thing you can do for yourself. Here is what you can do to keep your teeth and mouth in great shape:

Routine Cleanings

Dentists recommend that you get a routine cleaning every six months. Yes, every six months! There are many benefits to these cleanings. Your dental hygienist will remove any stubborn or hard to reach areas that have plaque and tarter buildup, you will receive a much-needed fluoride treatment and your dentist will be able to check your gums and teeth for decay or disease. You may think that it is too time consuming or expensive to go to a dentist every six months, but keeping up-to-date on these cleanings will save you time, money and, most importantly, pain in the long run.

Brushing and Flossing

Your daily routine should consist of brushing and flossing both in the morning and at night. Regular brushing and flossing keeps your teeth free of food debris, plaque buildup and keeps the gums healthy. Skipping these things over a period of time leaves the gums susceptible to infection and causes the enamel of the teeth to weaken and decay which leads to cavities. Cavities that are left untreated will ultimately cause root damage and the need for a root canal.

Fluoride

Fluoride fights tooth decay by restoring mineral balance to the teeth. This keeps bacteria from penetrating the tooth and causing cavities. Children, who are just developing teeth, use the fluoride in their food to build up their growing teeth. You can get fluoride applied onto the teeth during a dental visit and you can also get fluoride in toothpaste, mouth washes and lozenges. Natural water sources and most food contain small amounts of fluoride also, but you may need additional fluoride treatment if you drink only bottled water.

Eat A Healthy Diet

Eating fresh fruits and veggies plus plenty of protein is good for the entire body, including your teeth and mouth. There are certain minerals and vitamins that are especially helpful to maintain a healthy mouth:

• Calcium – Everyone knows that calcium is good for your teeth. It helps to build bones, harden your enamel and strengthen your jawbone. Get your calcium from milk and dairy products like cheese and yogurt.
• Vitamin D – Vitamin D is used by the body to help absorb calcium, which boosts the body’s mineral density. You can find plenty of Vitamin D in milk, orange juice and canned tuna.
• Potassium – Potassium also helps with mineral density and helps to keep the blood from becoming too acidic, which causes a depletion of calcium. Fruits and veggies that contain potassium include bananas, sweet potatoes and avocados.
• Phosphorus – Phosphorus, in combination with calcium, keeps the teeth strong and healthy. Most people get their phosphorus from seafood like scallops and cod.
• Vitamin K – Vitamin K is a protective agent that blocks harmful bacteria that breaks down the bone structure. Reach for the green stuff to get your Vitamin K. It is found in kale, collards and spinach.
• Vitamin C – Strengthen your teeth and gums with Vitamin C. Citrus fruits like oranges contain Vitamin C and so do potatoes and leafy greens.
• Vitamin A – Vitamin A prevents dry mouth and helps the mouth to heal after injury. Find plenty of Vitamin A in sweet potatoes, carrots, fish and eggs.

Avoid Tobacco

Whether you smoke or chew tobacco, you put yourself at risk for cavities, gum recession and mouth pain. On top of those issues, chewing tobacco can also cause cancer of the tongue, cheek and gums. There are no health benefits to tobacco products, so it is best to stay away from them completely. If you already smoke or chew tobacco, now is a good time to kick the habit and start practicing better oral health care. It is always better to prevent disease than it is to treat it.