Nothing is worse than the thought of facing a series of dental procedures. For a lot of people, proper dental care along with regular visits to a dentist in Frisco TX for a checkup are afterthoughts – until they have a toothache or bleeding gums and they’re forced to get help. It’s only then that they realize that instead of a quick cleaning and exam, which they could have easily fit into their schedules, they’re looking ahead at fillings, root canals, crowns or more. Many dental problems, like medical problems, can be avoided with just a few lifestyle changes and good oral hygiene habits like:
▸ Regular brushing and flossing. Although brushing in the morning is fairly common, too many people go to sleep at night without brushing and flossing their teeth. Even neglecting this vital task for one night can lead to the build-up of cavity-causing plaque. Brush your teeth with a soft- or extra soft-bristled toothbrush at least twice a day and buy a new one every three months for maximum effectiveness. You should floss at least once a day, preferably before bedtime. There are a variety of flosses on the market; choose one that feels comfortable between your teeth and try to avoid a sawing motion with the floss, as this will only irritate your gums.
▸ Stop grinding or clenching your teeth. If you wake up in the morning with jaw or face pain, especially around one of your ears, you have increased tooth sensitivity or dull headaches, see your dentist in Frisco TX. You may be clenching or grinding your teeth in your sleep, which can lead to cracked, chipped and worn teeth. Your dentist can keep tooth damage to a minimum and prevent further damage with a splint or mouth guard for you to wear at night.
▸ Stop smoking. This is the best thing you can do for your teeth and for your overall health. Smoking not only leads to yellow teeth and bad breath, it also constricts the blood flow in your mouth, which makes your mouth more vulnerable to periodontal disease and even oral cancers.
▸ Maintain a healthy diet. The plaque-producing bacteria in your mouth thrive on the sugar and starch you consume. Starving them of as much sugar and starch as possible will lessen the amount of plaque they produce so it’s important to maintain a diet that’s low in sugar and high in vegetables and grains. In addition, eating crunchy foods like nuts and raw vegetables can help to keep your teeth clean.
▸ Visit your dentist regularly. When you visit your dentist in Frisco TX twice a year, you’re not just getting a deep cleaning for your teeth, you’re also getting a comprehensive check-up that can spot potential problems before they get too big like small cavities that may become root-threatening cavities or gingivitis that may become more advanced periodontal disease. In addition, your dentist can check your mouth for signs of oral cancer.
Don’t ignore your oral health. Maintaining a healthy mouth is as important as maintaining a healthy body. Call your dentist in Frisco TX, Frisco Square Dental, at (972) 712-4040 to schedule an appointment for a checkup today. You can also visit www.friscosquaredental.com to ask for an appointment and to learn more about the services we provide.
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