Oral health should be a priority for everyone as the issues associated with poor oral health are not only limited to physical health, but they can also affect the emotional well-being of a person. To make sure you don’t suffer from the long-term repercussions of neglecting your oral health, here are a few things you can do.
Brush Your Teeth
It takes just 21 days to form a habit, so if you don’t brush your teeth at least twice a day, you’re encouraged to take the 21-day challenge and make it a routine. Brush your teeth before going to bed to remove the accumulated plaque and food remains that can cause oral issues when left in your mouth all night. With around 44% of Americans wishing that they took better care of their oral health, don’t leave time for regrets, but take the right action now.
Don’t Forget to Floss
Alongside brushing your teeth, remember to floss regularly. Flossing gets past the areas that regular toothbrush bristles may miss and goes in between the teeth to remove particles embedded tightly between molars and the other teeth. Ask your dentist about the best floss for you. For the young or elderly, or people with sensitive teeth and gums, you might need more information from your dentist on how to go about flossing. Make sure to floss the right way in order to reap the full benefits of flossing.
Get a Dental Insurance Plan
Dental insurance cover will cater to all your dental needs. Most dental insurance providers will cover oral emergencies and other dental-related issues. Some insurances won’t cover aesthetic dental procedures, so it’s important to choose the right dental insurance provider to cover all your oral health care needs. One advantage of having dental insurance coverage is that it provides an opportunity to schedule your dental appointments throughout the year, and this inspires you to keep all your appointments. Data from the Foundation for Oral Rehabilitation (FOR) shares that 69% of adults aged between 35 to 44 have lost at least one of their permanent teeth due to gum disease, tooth decay, or in an accident, while more than a quarter of all adults aged 74 and above have lost all their permanent teeth. With good insurance, it’s possible to have these issues fixed satisfactorily.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
With or without insurance cover, it’s advisable to visit a dentist like Dr. Matthew Hubis, DMD at least twice a year. You don’t have to have serious dental issues for you to seek your dentist’s help, but you should see your dentist frequently to diagnose problems before they begin and get advice on the best practices to keep your teeth and gums healthy. With the success rate of dental implants reported to be 98% by scientific literature, it’s possible to get a successful procedure if your dentist knows your oral history. Since it doesn’t cost a lot to go for your regular dental appointments, prevention is better than cure in this case.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Fruits and vegetables that are high in calcium and have a lot of fiber are good for strengthening your teeth. It’s also advisable to form a habit of eating crunchy foods and whole fruits and vegetables, not only to strengthen your teeth but also your gum and jaw muscles. Strong jaws are a good foundation for a healthy mouth.
Always follow your dentist’s advice and avoid acidic foods, large amounts of sugar, smoking, and other unhealthy dental practices. Also, use the right and recommended dental products to enable you to improve your oral health and keep smiling.