Did you know that your smile is the 2nd physical attribute that someone notices about you when first meeting? A great looking grin can make that important first impression at work or in your social life, but it also affects your overall health. Those with gum disease and tooth decay are at higher risk for a number of serious issues like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and more. Keep reading to discover the best ways you can take care of your smile to keep your mouth and body as healthy as possible from a dentist in Inwood Village.
Oral Healthcare at Home
The best step you can take towards a healthy smile is a regular brushing and flossing routine. This may sound like old news, but it’s more important than ever before! Brushing twice a day and flossing once can dramatically decrease your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental issues. Not only does this cut down on dental cost in the future, but it maintains your oral and overall health as well. Make sure that each brushing session lasts 2 minutes to ensure you’re getting the full benefits of your oral health routine. After brushing, maybe right before bed to clean out any food debris or plaque collected throughout the day, you should floss. If you think about it, each tooth has 5 sides: top, front, back, left side, and right side. So, if you don’t floss, you’re leaving 2 sides of each tooth uncleaned. This can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease if plaque builds up in between your teeth.
Oral Healthcare with a Pro
Besides a good at-home routine, you should also always make sure that you see your dentist twice a year for routine checkups. There are many dental issues that can’t be seen with the naked eye, which makes X-Rays a smile saving tool that your dentist uses to detect any problems below the surface of your teeth. Your dentist can also check to make sure your gums are in good condition. Plus, they have an oral cancer screening tool. Oral cancer is often hard to detect, and because it’s easier treated the sooner it’s caught, your dental appointments can be lifesaving!
Your Smile’s Appearance
These appointments are also a way for you to improve the look of your smile. Are you unhappy with certain flaws in your grin? Talk to your cosmetic dentist in Inwood Village to get a beautiful set of pearly whites. Remember that oral health care starts at home, but you should still see a pro twice a year to prevent and detect any dental issues. Do you have your appointments booked for 2019? Talk to your dentist to keep your oral and overall health in tip-top shape.