Proactive steps to keep dental problems at bay

Did you know that your dental health has a significant influence on your general wellbeing? Good oral health can help to reduce the risk of health complications, including heart disease. In this guide, we’ll explore some proactive steps you can take to keep dental problems at bay.

Oral hygiene

Adopting a good daily oral hygiene routine is the best method of preventing dental disease. Cleaning your teeth and tongue and removing bacteria and food debris from the mouth helps to lower the risk of plaque formation. Plaque is a sticky substance, which is created by saliva, bacteria and debris joining together. When plaque clings to the teeth or gum line, it can elevate the risk of caries and gum disease. Aim to clean your teeth for at least 2 minutes every morning and evening. Move your toothbrush around your mouth, taking care to clean every surface of every tooth. Try to avoid brushing too hard to protect the enamel. It’s also beneficial to brush your tongue and to use floss or interdental brushes to clean the gaps between the teeth.

Dental checks

Regular dental checks play a crucial role in lowering the risk of gum disease and decay, and they also enable dentists to provide advice to help patients improve oral hygiene and reduce the risk of dental issues. Dental practices like Dental Care of Mesa encourage regular routine assessments for adults and children. During the examination, dentists go through a mental checklist, looking out for signs of tooth wear or damage, decay and gum disease and oral cancer. If you see your dentist frequently, they will be able to identify any issues early, which increases the chances of successful treatment outcomes.

Eating habits

We often think about what we eat when talking about dental health, but it’s also important to consider when you eat. This is because when you consume food or have a drink, the bacteria in the mouth produce acids, which temporarily weaken the enamel. If you graze throughout the day, the enamel doesn’t have a chance to recover. This increases the risk of sensitivity and decay. As well as eating a healthy and balanced diet to improve oral health, you can also cut out snacking and stick to main meals.

Being mouth aware

Dental problems tend to get worse with time, and this is why it’s crucial to seek advice if you spot symptoms, or you experience pain or discomfort. Look out for signs such as bleeding, swollen or sore gums, pain, fever and increased sensitivity. Contact your dentist and arrange an appointment if you have any of the symptoms listed above. It’s always best to get checked out.

Dental health is linked to general health. Taking good care of your teeth and gums can help to boost health and wellbeing and keep problems at bay. Adopt a thorough daily oral hygiene routine, keep up to date with dental checks, think about what you eat and when you eat, and seek advice if you have any unusual symptoms.

Photo by Anna Shvets