Most of us want to start the year off with a clean slate when it comes to our health, and your oral health is no exception. In light of all the information regarding the connections between your oral health and your overall health, there has never been a more important time to make your dental care a priority, and your helpful Bradford dentist has some tips on how to do it.
Brushing Before You go to Bed
It’s pretty simple to remember to brush your teeth when you wake up in the morning; however, brushing before bed is easier to overlook, especially if you’re tired after a long day. Brushing at night is important because it removes all the bacteria in your mouth left there from the meals you’ve eaten. If it is not removed, the bacteria will turn into plaque that sits on your teeth and breaks your enamel down.
Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
2019 is a great time to reevaluate your nutrition and make some healthy changes. If you find yourself reaching for an afternoon snack, perhaps you can choose fruits and veggies over chips, crackers, or bagels.
Fruits and vegetables increase saliva flow, which helps to wash away the excess debris in your mouth leftover after meals. They also neutralize the acids in your mouth that cause tooth decay and cavities.
Flossing Once a Day
Flossing is actually a very easy habit that many people skip because they are tired or feel it’s time consuming. However, the benefits that flossing your teeth provides far outweighs the consequences of not doing it.
When you floss your teeth once a day, it helps to remove the plaque and bacteria buildup that sits in between them. Flossing protects against cavities and bad breath. Believe it or not – you can actually get cavities in between your teeth.
Start by committing to at least one day a week if you’re not flossing at all, and then slowly add days as it becomes a habit.
Routine Dental Visits
Visiting your family dentist in Bradford consistently for a routine cleaning and checkup is critical not only for your oral health, but also your overall health and well-being.
Studies have shown a direct correlation between your periodontal health and other concerns in the body such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Your dentist screens for issues like periodontal disease and tooth decay during every routine examination. Early detection of these concerns gives you the best chance of successfully treating them.
If you have dental insurance, your routine cleaning and checkups are typically covered, which means that there is very little or even no out-of-pocket cost for your six month appointments. If you don’t have dental insurance, ask your dentist’s treatment coordinator for some helpful tips on fitting dentistry into your budget. Contact your dentist in Bradford today for more information.
About the Author
Associates in Dental Health has been taking care of patients in Bradford, MA for over 30 years. We combine the expertise and talents of three exceptional dentists to provide you with comprehensive dental care and an excellent experience every time you visit our office.
If you would like to contact our team, we can be reached by calling 978-372-6800 or online.