You see your dentist in Upper Arlington semi-annually for an oral examination and professional cleaning. Dr. Courtney says your teeth and gums are doing great, and your kids have had good check-ups, too. What can you do to maintain those healthy smiles until your next visit to Artistry Smile Center? Dr. Angela Courtney and Dr. Samuel Kiner have many suggestions you’d be wise to take.
It’s Not Rocket Science
Yet, simple preventive dentistry does preserve one of your most important personal assets–your smile. So, never neglect oral hygiene disciplines at home. Start now with the basics so you can anticipate another great check-up at Artistry Smile Center.
Tip #1 Brush twice a day with a soft brush for two minutes, and floss daily as recommended by the American Dental Association. Parents, start good brushing and flossing habits with your kids early on in their lives by simply swabbing your baby’s mouth with a 4×4 gauze pad after he or she finishes a feeding. As baby teeth erupt, continue this routine, and advance to non-fluoride toothpaste and a baby toothbrush. This simple routine removes harmful plaque, a leading cause of gum disease and tooth decay. When you or your kids cannot brush and floss, at least rinse your mouth well with water.
Tip #2 Eat a nutritious diet. Limit processed sugars because they deposit residues on teeth and gums, along with harmful bacteria. Substitute healthy options such as high-fiber breads and cereals. Increase dairy intake to provide calcium, and lean meats and fish for protein. Several daily servings of fibrous fruits and vegetables cleanse tooth surfaces and exercise gum tissue and jawbone.
Tip #3 Drink several of water every day. While recommendations on the exact amounts vary, researchers agree that plain water washes away food residues and stimulates saliva and its antibacterial benefits. Water decreases dry mouth (xerostomia), bad breath and cavities.
Tip #4 Wear a mouthguard if you are a tooth grinder (bruxism) or if you play sports regularly. Parents, invest in customized acrylic guards for your kids. They prevent oral lacerations, knocked out and fractured teeth and any number of oral injuries that impact dental health.
Tip #5 Try to stop smoking. We know it’s a very difficult habit; so enlist help from your primary care physician. Unfortunately, tobacco usage (both cigarettes and chewing tobacco) encourages gum disease, sleep apnea and tooth decay. It threatens dental implant retention and gives you bad breath. Also, smoking is linked to oral cancer, a deadly malady affecting thousands of Americans annually.
A Final Tip Contact Artistry Smile Center at the first sign of dental discomfort or if you lose a restoration, crack a tooth or break a denture. Dr. Courtney or Dr. Kiner will respond quickly to get you the treatment you need.
We Want to Partner with You
Dr. Courtney and Dr. Kiner want you to be proactive about your oral health. Maintain good oral health habits in between visits, and come see us every six months for your exams and cleanings. Then, you can look forward to a lifetime of healthy smiles for you and your loved ones.
Won’t you contact Artistry Smile Center today for your routine appointment?