Each of us has our own list of priorities. These contain the big and small things that occupy our minds (and are carried out through our activities). At the top of the list is usually family or work, followed by a variety of concerns. Are you clear on your priorities?
The sad part of this list is how frequently it lacks a mention of personal health. Without a sound body and mind, you’re not able to tend to other aspects of your life – but many individuals struggle to find time to schedule regular checkups, exercise, and plan out a healthy diet. Let this blog post serve as motivation to check in with your own to do list. It’s time to find room on it for oral health, and we can help you make your steps toward dental well-being count.
Simple Ways to Tend to Your Healthy Teeth
Keeping your teeth strong doesn’t mean spending hours on them. Really, all you need to do is behave in proactive ways (and spend – at most – 10-15 minutes a day on oral hygiene, which even the busiest folks can spare). Practice preventive dentistry to keep problems from arising. That’s possible with just a few basic precautions:
- Check in with your oral hygiene – Your brushing and flossing could be more effective, allowing you to spend less time over the sink and more time enjoying beautiful, healthy teeth. Read up on proper brushing and flossing to make sure your methods are doing the trick. Brush every tooth surface at varied angles, and cup your floss around each tooth to access the full span of your gum line.
- Clean your teeth after eating – This is quite easy to do, and doesn’t have to mean constant brushing. It’s as simple as rinsing with water after dining or snacking. If you can’t rinse, end a snack with a raw vegetable like a carrot or celery; this will naturally clean food particles from your mouth.
- Protect your teeth from unnecessary forces – This step may sound a little dramatic, but we often expose our teeth to forces they shouldn’t handle. Some of us use our teeth as tools, to open bottles or packages. Others grind their teeth at night, grating enamel against enamel. These tendencies to abuse our teeth can result in broken dental work, worn enamel, receding gums, and other problems. Avoiding them today will make your teeth last longer.
- Schedule regular exams – It’s as simple as picking up the phone – you can schedule your next year’s worth of exams today. You should be visiting the dentist every six months on average (some patients may be called upon to visit more often, especially if they have a history of periodontal disease). Even if it seems like your teeth are healthy, you will need to visit a professional to give them the chance to spot early signs of problems. Only a trained eye (aided by x-rays and other diagnostic tools) will see symptoms of gingivitis or small cavities. And the sooner you strike these problems down, the safer your smile.
General Dentistry in Ellicott City
Looking for a dental exam? Maryland Family Dentistry offers the full spectrum of care. Whether you need a checkup, a filling for a cavity, periodontal treatment, or more complex restorative work, our caring and talented staff will provide. If you’ve been away from the dentist’s office for some time, don’t let dental anxiety keep you away – we offer sedation and open communication to help soothe your nerves. Call us today to schedule your next appointment.
