Family Dentist Offers Advice for Improving Dental Health

Family dentist Jeffrey Higgins at Olathe Dental Care Center encourages developing good oral hygiene habits to keep your teeth and gums healthy and bright. While you should see your family dentist every six months for a check-up and hygienic cleaning, your at-home practices are the real mainstay of improving your dental health.

How well you care for your teeth and gums can affect how well you feel overall, and not taking care of your dental health can increase your risk for serious health conditions. The number one cause of adult tooth loss in the US is plaque buildup which hardens into tartar, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. Gum disease not only impacts your oral health, but can also damage your systemic health, contributing to diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, dementia, and respiratory problems.

Fortunately, improving your dental routine doesn’t necessarily warrant major changes – just a few easy tweaks to your daily dental habits can have a lasting impact on your body.

Dr. Higgins advises that young children through senior adults brush their teeth with a soft-bristled brush at least twice a day. Brushing removes food particles and plaque, freshens your breath, and stimulates your gum tissue. Further, use fluoridated products that help reduce tooth decay in both kids and adults. Use an ADA-approved toothpaste (non-fluoridated for babies and toddlers), and rinse well with clear water or any mouth rinse.

In addition to brushing, everyone should floss daily. Select any flossing product that you will use consistently, and carefully go around your mouth to remove plaque from the gum line and in between your teeth. (Parents can floss children’s teeth for them until they have the dexterity and discipline to do it for themselves).

You should eliminate as much processed sugar and carbohydrates as possible from your diet. Instead, concentrate on fruits and vegetables, lean meats and fish, whole grains, and water. Making small changes to your day will improve your dental health greatly over time but remember to keep up the habits you already embrace.

Regular visits to your family dentist can have a big impact on your dental health. Besides the many health checks your family dentist provides during your routine appointment, your dental hygienist gently scales your teeth, removing toxic plaque and tartar, and flosses and polishes your teeth for a super-squeaky clean.

Be sure to visit family dentist, Dr. Higgins, twice a year for an oral examination, digital X-rays, and professional cleaning.