There’s a lot of misinformation out there about oral health. Since healthy teeth and gums are so important to your overall well-being, here are six things we think it’s most important for you to know about taking care of your mouth.
(1) Get regular check-ups with oral cancer screenings
This is extremely important not only to make sure your teeth stay healthy and plaque-free, but also to catch any problems such as cavities and even oral cancer early. The sooner these things are detected, the more easily they can be treated.
(2) Gum disease affects your overall health
Gum disease doesn’t just hit your mouth. It’s been linked to a wide variety of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. If you want your body to be healthy, your gums need to be healthy too.
(3) Bad breath could be caused by an actual problem
In about 85% of people with bad breath, an oral-related problem is to blame. Brushing your teeth and tongue twice a day and flossing daily will go a long way toward eliminating bad breath. Be sure to mention it to your dentist so he or she can offer any additional advice.
(4) Good nutrition is important for good oral health
If your body isn’t getting all the nutrients it needs, neither are your teeth. Also, if you consume a lot of sugar either in your food or in what you drink, it will combine with the bacteria in your mouth to produce enamel-eating acid and cause cavities and gum disease.
(5) Root canals usually aren’t painful
With today’s technology, root canals are much easier – and less painful – than they used to be. In fact, most people who get one say they’re pleasantly surprised by how easy it is.
(6) Get a new toothbrush
Most people need to get a new toothbrush every three months. If you have gum disease, you should do it every 4-6 weeks, since bacteria can grow in the bristles and prevent your gums from healing. You should also get a new one after you’ve been sick.
While you can take care of many of these things yourself, you can’t do everything without the assistance of a good dentist. To schedule your next appointment with the best dentists in Bellevue, visit SmilesOfBellevue.com!
