October is National Dental Hygiene Month. It’s the perfect time to make sure you’re doing everything you can to maintain a healthy smile.
Achieving great oral health while preventing issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, and other concerns doesn’t have to be complicated. Keep reading to learn how to set your smile up for success.
Stay on Top of Your Regular Dental Visits
If you’ve gone six months or more without seeing our Lone Tree dental team, it’s time to schedule an appointment. There are many reasons why dental visits are too important to skip.
Our dentists will use this time to examine your teeth and gums and possibly perform x-rays. By seeing you at regular intervals, they can catch potential issues before they become serious. It’s often easier and more affordable to treat dental problems in the early stages.
Biannual dental appointments also include a teeth cleaning. A professional dental cleaning is essential because it removes stubborn plaque and tartar that regular brushing may leave behind. During this process, our hygienists use special tools and techniques to clean your teeth, helping prevent problems such as gum disease.
Most dental insurance plans cover the cost of routine cleanings and other preventative care. For patients without insurance, we offer an in-house membership program that provides access to these crucial dental services at a low cost. You can register your entire family in the Meadows Membership program today.
Revisit the Oral Hygiene Basics
Your oral health is largely determined by your dental hygiene routine. It’s important to know that a great regimen goes beyond brushing. Try to keep these basic guidelines in mind when caring for your teeth and gums:
- Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes.
- Floss once a day to clean hard-to-reach surfaces of your teeth.
- Rinse with mouthwash to remove any lingering bacteria.
Be aware that everyone has unique needs. When you visit our office, our hygienists will take the time to educate you regarding your personal oral health. This may include discussing how certain medical conditions can affect your teeth and gums and explaining any special guidelines that you should follow at home.
Develop Healthy Habits
For a truly radiant smile, consider adopting a few habits and lifestyle changes that are known to support good oral health. The following suggestions will benefit your teeth and gums as well as your entire body:
- Choose the right foods: The food you eat has the power to help or hurt your smile goals. For example, sugary candies can erode your enamel whereas raw vegetables help clean your teeth and stimulate saliva.
- Watch what you drink: Your favorite beverages may be damaging your teeth. Many drinks are highly acidic, sugary, or stain-inducing. Limit your intake of the worst offenders, such as soda, fruit juice, and wine.
- Avoid tobacco products: Smoking is known to cause dental problems. The habit can lead to bad breath, discoloration, inflammation, jawbone loss, delayed healing, and a host of other concerns. Contrary to popular belief, smokeless tobacco products are not better for your oral health than cigars or cigarettes.
Countless studies have shown a link between oral health and overall health. By taking care of your teeth and gums, you also lower your risk for systemic problems such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Schedule Your Lone Tree Dental Visit Today
Let our team be your partners in oral health. Schedule a visit to our dental practice today at 303-790-2323 to learn how we can enhance the health and beauty of your smile. We serve Lone Tree, Centennial, Highlands Ranch, and nearby areas of Colorado.