You see your family dentist in Denton every six months for an oral examination and professional cleaning. Congratulations! Dr. Ted Dunson II says your mouth is healthy. The kids have had great check-ups, too. What can you do to keep your smile healthy and shining until your next visit to your friends at South Ridge Dental?
Stick with the Basics
Experts say that making a new habit takes about 30 days. So, if you believe you or your family members have neglected some oral hygiene disciplines, don’t despair. Start now with the basics you may be missing and reap the benefits of a another great check up the next time you see your dentist in Denton.
Basic #1 Brush twice a day with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste for two minutes, and floss daily as recommended by the American Dental Association. Parents, start good brushing and flossing habits with your kids early on in their lives. This simple routine removes harmful plaque, a leading cause of gum disease and tooth decay. Brushing and flossing also keeps breath fresh. When you or your kids cannot brush and floss, rinse well with water.
Basic #2 Eat a tooth-friendly diet. Limit starchy carbs and processed sugars as they leave residues on teeth and gums harmful bacteria really love. You’ll find carbohydrates everywhere in the American diet. Substitute healthy choices such as high-fiber breads and cereals. Go high on dairy for calcium, and lean meats and fish for protein. Several servings of fibrous fruits and vegetables scrape tooth surfaces clean and exercise gum tissue and jawbone.
Basic #3 Drink eight glasses of water every day. Water washes away food residues and stimulates saliva and its anti-bacterial action. It also decreases dry mouth (xerostomia) which leads to bad breath and even tooth decay.
Basic #4 Stop smoking. That’s a hard habit to break and will need assistance from your primary care physician. Unfortunately, smoking encourages gum disease, sleep apnea and tooth decay. It also threatens dental implant retention and gives you bad breath. Or course, smoking is linked to oral cancer.
Basic #5 Wear a mouthguard if you are a tooth grinder (bruxism) or if you play sports regularly. Parents, invest in a custom-mouth guard for your athletic kids. It saves oral lacerations, knocked out and fractured teeth and a whole host of injuries that have long-lasting effects on dental health.
Basic #6 Contact Southridge Dental at the first sign of dental pain or if you lose a restoration, crack a tooth or break a denture. Dr. Dunson and his team will respond quickly and compassionately to get you the treatment you need.
We Will Partner with You
Dr. Dunson and his staff want to encourage you to take charge of your oral health. Start and maintain good oral health habits, and come see us semi-annually for your exams and hygienic cleanings. Together, we can achieve a lifetime of healthy smiles for you and your family.
Contact South Ridge Dental for your routine appointment.