Family Dentistry Top 5 Best Practices For Good Oral Health
Family dentistry covers a range of services for patients of all ages. From the time a child gets her first tooth, to aging seniors, our family dentistry practice in Olathe, Kansas, prioritizes healthy dental care for the entire family. Good oral hygiene is important for everyone and establishing good dental habits is crucial to the process. But good oral health is about more than just preventing cavities and gum disease – it’s also vital to your overall health. Without treatment, tooth decay or gum problems can lead to pain, tooth loss, lack of self-confidence, and other issues such as malnutrition, speech problems, and difficulties at work, school, or in your personal life.
Most dental diseases can be prevented with proper family dentistry. Further, maintaining good oral health is especially important for children whose teeth are still growing. Olathe Dental Care Center suggests following the five best practices to ensure you and your children maintain good oral health.
- Regular Brushing. A lot of people are aware that brushing twice a day is important for oral health; however if it is not being done the right way it is less effective. ODCC family dentistry can instruct you and your child on the proper way to brush.
- Use Fluoride Toothpaste. When it comes to choosing a toothpaste, make sure it contains fluoride, which is a leading defense against tooth decay. It works by fighting germs that can lead to decay, as well as providing a protective barrier for your teeth.
- Daily Flossing. Flossing at least once a day is recommended by family dentistry because it helps reach areas your toothbrush is unable to in order to remove plaque and bacteria stuck in between the teeth. Flossing before going to bed is especially important because that is when the bacteria in the mouth are active.
- Limit Sugar and Acidic Foods. Numerous studies have concluded that sugar is the main contributor to adverse dental outcomes. You should limit drinking soda and eating starchy foods such as bread, pasta, chips, and crackers, which can also lead to tooth decay. Further, drinking water continues to be the best beverage for your overall health — including oral health.
- Regular Checkups. Experts recommend visiting the dentist at least twice a year in order to detect any potential problems. Children especially need to be seen twice a year to prevent the development of cavities.
Even the most prolific brushers and flossers need regular family dentistry checkups so your dentist can check for visual signs of cavities and gum disease and treat issues before they become severe. They may sometimes use dental X-rays to check for cavities. During a routine dental examination, a hygienist will clean your teeth and remove plaque and hardened tartar.
Practicing good dental care from infancy to adulthood can help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Daily brushing and flossing, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular dental checkups can help you avoid cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues, as well as benefit your overall health. When you seek ODCC family dentistry services, you will receive competent, caring dental care in a relaxed environment from a team of professionals who are dedicated to your comfort and well-being.
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