Taking care of your teeth is a fundamental part of your overall health. Making sure that your oral health is taken care will not only leave you with a beautiful smile, but it is also an important factor for other areas of your health. If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, now is the best time to go. If finding the right dentist is overwhelming for you, don’t be discouraged. Here are a few tips on being proactive with your oral care and finding a good dentist.
Signs Of Periodontal Disease
Has it been a while since you’ve been to the dentist? If you haven’t had a cleaning in the past 12 months, there is a good chance you have significant plaque buildup on your teeth. This can quickly lead to tooth decay and gum disease or periodontal disease. Some people are more prone to periodontal disease than others. This includes individuals who:
- Are older.
- That don’t visit the dentist or doctor regularly.
- Smoke tobacco.
- Don’t brush their teeth every day.
- Take certain medications.
- Have an underlying health condition.
Gum disease has some pretty significant signs, including, bleeding gums, foul breath odor, and loose teeth. If you notice any of these changes in your mouth, you need to visit a dentist like Fenton Family Dentistry right away. Special cleaning and repairing damaged teeth can help aid in your periodontal disease. For advanced cases, extractions and antibiotic treatment may be necessary.
Good Oral Hygiene among Children
Taking Care Of Your Mouth
Your mouth is full of germs, so it’s important to keep it clean throughout the day, especially after a meal. If not, over time bacteria can trigger tartar build up, which can eventually lead to tooth decay. The American Dental Association says you should brush your teeth at least twice a day. This is a good rule of thumb to follow in order to keep your teeth in healthy condition. If you eat a lot of sweets or foods that are high in sugar, try to brush your teeth after eating these treats. This will help eliminate extra sugars that could lead to plaque buildup. Other tips on taking better care of your mouth include:
- Replacing your toothbrush at least every three months.
- Flossing at least once a day.
- Drinking a lot of water and follow a heart-healthy diet.
- See your dentist regularly.
- Avoid chewing tobacco and smoking cigarettes.
Taking care of your mouth goes beyond just simple brushing. Making sure you avoid foods and drinks high in sugar and quitting smoking if you smoke are just some of the beneficial things you can do to keep your oral health in good condition.
What To Look For In A Dentist
Have you been looking for a dentist to help you reclaim your oral health and restore your mouth to a healthy space? If so, it starts by calling or visiting different dentist offices. Call a few in your area that you’ve heard good things about. From there, contact the general manager to gather more information. Ask about the dentist’s credentials and what experience he has with any concerns you may have with your dental health. Do you have wisdom teeth that need to come out? Ask the manager if the dentist is experienced with wisdom tooth extractions. If not, you may be referred to an oral surgeon or maxillofacial surgeon for further evaluation and treatment.
Paying For Dental Care
Is the reason you’ve been holding back on going to the dentist because you can’t pay for dental care? Dental insurance is not always standard with most company insurance policies. This means that you’ll have to get private dental insurance or you’ll have to pay out of pocket for dental services. When calling to find a new dentist, ask about their payment options. Because dental care can be expensive, especially if you need extractions, x-rays and extensive work done ask about their payment arrangements or credit terms. There are dental discount plans available that allow you to pay a percentage of your dental coverage and they will pay the rest. Ask your dentist’s office for advice on how to pay for your dental care so it’s affordable and within your budget.
Dental health is something you need to take off the back burner. Be proactive and feel better today, by setting up an appointment with your local dentist.
