THE ULTIMATE ORAL HEALTH GUIDE FOR THE COST-CONSCIOUS
You already know the basics of oral care, but here are some other great dental health tips that will keep your teeth healthy and your wallet happy.
When it comes to staying on top of your health, many people think that just means eating well, exercising often, and visiting your doctor regularly every year. While this is an excellent way to help you reduce your risk of health problems, it’s not the only aspect of your health that’s important! In fact, your oral health is one of the most crucial areas of your general well-being that you need to stay on top of—always.
Too often we have met patients who feel that brushing twice a day and flossing occasionally is enough to keep their teeth strong and healthy for years to come. While this is a good place to start, you could still be putting your mouth (and your whole body) at risk for disease or infection.
Here are some tips and reminders for taking care of your teeth that are simple to follow and, best of all, cost-efficient.
1. DITCH THE SMOKES
One of the worst things you can do to your teeth and your lungs is to start using tobacco. If you smoke—whether it’s cigarettes, vapes, cigars, or similar products—putting down the pack is the first step toward better oral health. Tobacco won’t only turn your teeth a nasty shade of yellow, but it will also corrode your gums and your enamel, and leave you at risk for developing oral cancer.
2. PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR KIDS
Children can be easily overlooked when it comes to their oral health. For some parents, getting their kids to brush their teeth is a daily struggle, and for the first few years of their life, you might not even consider their oral health as too much a cause for concern.
The truth is, babies will start needing to see a dentist as early as one or two years old, and you’ll have to help them brush and floss for the first five or six years of their life. Tooth decay is actually quite common among children, which can mean lots of long-term, expensive dental treatments in the future. So, it’s essential that you lead by example and show your kids that a healthy mouth is a happy mouth!
3. CAN THE COLA
Not only can cutting back on carbonated sodas and sweet drinks save you some bucks, but it can also help preserve your teeth’s enamel! Sugary and acidic drinks like cola, smoothies, and other fizzy beverages can erode the surface of your teeth, which makes your mouth more susceptible to oral bacteria and tooth decay. Replace the soda with water, and opt for lemon wedges, berries, or other tasty natural flavor enhancers.
4. USE THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT
So you brush your teeth twice a day, and you even bring a toothbrush to work. That’s great! But what good is a proper brushing routine if you’re not using the right equipment?
At Bela Family Dentistry of Newberry, we always recommend soft-bristled toothbrushes and fluoride toothpaste to our patients. The shape and size of your toothbrush are also important, so try out a few and see which fits best in your hand before purchasing.
And don’t forget to replace your toothbrush every two to three months! After that, the bristles start to wear out, the handle starts to bend, and you run the risk of accumulating gross germs—which could leave to much more spending than a few bucks on a toothbrush.
5. DON’T FORGET TO FLOSS
You hear this every time you visit the dentist, and you’ll likely hear it a hundred times more, but that’s because flossing is truly essential to your oral health. Brushing won’t always get those leftover Cheerios from breakfast that are stuck between your back teeth. This is where floss comes in!
In fact, flossing before you brush can help you maximize your efforts by ensuring that fluoride toothpaste gets between your teeth and helps fight away bacteria that could cause gingivitis. Give yourself ample string, too—don’t skimp out on something so important! Start with a little more than a foot of floss and wrap it around both of your index fingers until you have about two inches left to work with, and for each tooth, use a new section of floss.
6. DON’T SKIP IMPORTANT APPOINTMENTS
Biannual dental check-ups might seem excessive, especially if you regularly brush and have no pain, discomfort, or sensitivity in your teeth or gums. But the truth is, optimal dental health involves so much more than just brushing and flossing!
Visiting your dentist every six months can help you stay diligent with the upkeep of your teeth and gums, which means fewer emergency visits in the future!
DENTISTRY YOU CAN DEPEND ON
At Bela Family Dentistry of Newberry, your oral health is always our primary concern, but we also strive to ensure you are comfortable from the moment you step foot into our office. If you’re not sure about something, like proper brushing or flossing techniques, don’t hesitate to ask! We’ll be sure to help you every step of the way.
We can offer you cost-conscious solutions that fit your needs and your budget. After all, in a tight-knit community like Newberry, having a caring and committed dentist can make all the difference. New patients are always welcome to contact us to learn more about our services!
