Posted by Derek Magers on Jun 9 2022, 02:32 AM
Good dental health means that your teeth, gums, and mouth are healthy, free of disease, and functioning well. It means more than just having a beautiful smile. It also means having a healthy mouth and body.
Good dental health is important for many reasons. First, poor dental health can be uncomfortable. Treatment to correct problems with your teeth, gums, and mouth can be painful. Additionally, poor dental health can cause difficulty with chewing and speaking and can have a negative impact on your self-esteem. Finally, poor dental health can lead to other medical complications. For example, poor dental health can lead to difficulty chewing, which can cause you to eat less healthy foods. This, in turn, can lead to obesity and other weight-related problems.
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is one of the easiest ways to maintain good dental health. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. When you brush, angle the toothbrush toward the gums at a 45-degree angle. Brush the outer and inner tooth surfaces as well as the inner surface of your lower teeth.
Flossing is a great way to maintain good oral health. While mouthwash does kill germs, it does not remove plaque. Plaque and tartar can build up between teeth and on the gum line, leading to cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that patients visit their dentist once every six months for a dental check-up. In addition, patients should visit their dentist if they notice any changes in their oral condition, such as the presence of dental caries or experiencing pain.
Smoking cigarettes and using other tobacco products are harmful to your teeth. It causes discoloration, dry mouth, and gum disease. Additionally, smoking increases your risk of oral cancer, which is a life-threatening disease.
The bacteria that cause cavities feed on sugar. You can prevent pain caused by cavities by avoiding or limiting the number of sugary foods and drinks you consume.
While you’re enjoying your favorite foods and drinks, keep in mind that they can stain your teeth. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), some of the most common foods that damage teeth are coffee, tea, red wine, and berries. So, limit the intake of teeth-staining foods and drinks.
Using a mouth rinse can freshen your breath while removing food particles from your mouth. Some mouth rinses also contain ingredients that can prevent decay or cavities. However, do note that mouth rinses are not a substitute for brushing your teeth.
Dental sealants are plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The chewing surfaces are where cavities and decay are most likely to form. Sealants create a barrier between the chewing surfaces of the teeth and plaque and acids, helping to prevent tooth decay.
Fluoride treatments are one of the most effective tools we have in the fight against tooth decay and cavities. Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in water. Small amounts of fluoride are also found in certain foods. Fluoride treatments are applied directly to the teeth in order to strengthen the enamel.
To know more or to schedule your consultation with our dentists, call our Springfield Location at (417) 887-3100 or the Branson West office at (417) 272- 3352.
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