Welcome to a new year full of resolutions, goals, and possibilities. At the start of each year, many of us plan for and create to-do lists for the coming year. Be sure to add improving your oral health to your list for 2022.
As a dental practice in Shelby, NC, Shelby Dental Care Center is available to provide expert dental care and advice. We want to see you prioritize your oral health and get the smile you have always wanted.
Here, we are offering some of the best tips to improve your oral health in 2022!
Benefits of good oral health
Keeping your smile healthy is a no-brainer. Not only does it give you a self-esteem boost, but it also keeps your mouth functioning at its best. There are several benefits of paying close attention to your oral health.
Healthy teeth and gums
When you think of your oral health, your teeth and gums are often the first thing to come to mind. That’s because they are visible. It is often easy to see if they are healthy.
Protecting your oral health ensures your teeth stay strong and prevents cavities. Strong, healthy teeth are necessary for chewing normally and speaking clearly. They give shape to your face.
Healthy gums are pink, free of bacteria, and free from disease. Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults so good oral care is necessary to avoid this disease.
Better breath
Bad breath can be a sign of poor oral health. It may be due to food particles, plaque, and bacteria on the teeth. Bad breath is often a warning sign of gum disease and can also be caused by dry mouth.
Tackling your oral health ensures these problems are addressed head on and results in fresher breath for you.
Improved overall health
Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body meaning what enters can aid or harm the body. Gum disease and poor oral health have been linked to endocarditis, heart disease, pneumonia, and pregnancy and birth issues. Likewise, conditions, such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS, and certain medications can lower your resistance to developing oral problems.
Taking control of and protecting your oral health builds up your body’s defense system and ability to fight back against germs and diseases.
How to improve your oral health this year
Consider the following tips to take control of your dental health in 2022:
Use good oral habits at home
Brush, floss, and rinse like a champ. The care of your teeth through a good dental hygiene regimen is a major step in the oral health battle. An oral routine includes brushing your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and using a mouthwash. Your daily hygiene habits help to remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria to keep tooth decay at bay and prevent gum disease.
Eat a well-balanced diet
The foods you eat play a role in the health of your teeth and gums. Sugary foods increase the likelihood of decay and gum disease. Plaque feeds off of the sugars left on your teeth and releases acids which damage the enamel.
Instead, consume a well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Crunchy produce actually helps remove plaque. The vitamins and minerals in a healthy diet help to build up tooth enamel keeping your teeth strong. Drinking plenty of water keeps you hydrated and helps prevent bad breath and dry mouth.
Visit your dentist regularly
Routine dental care with your dentist is essential to prevent dental problems. During exams and cleanings, tartar is removed, the teeth and gums are assessed, and potential problems are diagnosed. X-rays may be done to assess the underlying structures.
With appointments scheduled every six months, there is little time for issues to progress. They can be addressed at an early stage increasing the likelihood of a positive outcome. For example, a small cavity can be easily treated early, but decay that spreads may require a root canal or extraction.
Stay up-to-date on recommended dental procedures
If problems do develop, be sure to stay on top of them with the recommended dental procedures. Fillings, root canals, and restorations seal out bacteria and decay. These restorative procedures strengthen your teeth and are necessary to get your oral health back on track. Restorations are strong, durable, and long-lasting keeping your smile healthy and beautiful.
Take care of urgent dental needs
Even with the best oral habits, the unexpected can occur. You may break a tooth eating a hard candy or at a sporting event.
When urgent dental needs arise, be sure to visit your dentist for comprehensive care. Your dentist keeps you calm and comfortable while addressing the problem at hand. The end result is a restored smile.
Let Shelby Dental Care Center help you keep your smile healthy this year!
Take control of your oral health this year. Shelby Dental Care Center is ready to help you improve your smile. Whether you need general, cosmetic, or restorative care, we have you covered with dental services in Shelby, NC.
