Dental problems can go unnoticed for years, but the longer you ignore them, the harder they are to treat. That’s why we’re here to help you make lasting changes that will improve your oral health in 2023 and beyond.
Schedule Routine Dental Appointments
Let’s get the obvious thing out of the way: it’s important to schedule regular dental visits. Your dentist will be able to keep tabs on your oral health, identify potential problems and treat them before they become serious. In addition, a well-kept mouth can affect other aspects of your life, such as how you feel about speaking in public or eating crunchy foods (both of which are very important).
Find a Dentist You Trust
As much as we’d like to think that we could choose any dentist at random and count on good results, this isn’t always true—and it especially isn’t true in an emergency when time is of the essence! Instead, take some time upfront and find a professional who works with you throughout every step of the process. This person should listen carefully when asked questions about different procedures; provide clear answers; give honest feedback; explain what he/she sees happening in relation to your health; show empathy during sensitive situations (like when dealing with pain or discomfort); communicate clearly about costs associated with treatment plans so there are no surprises later down the line…the list goes on!
Commit to Regular Flossing
Flossing can seem like a lot of work, and it requires quite a bit of manual dexterity. However, flossing is important for keeping your teeth and gums healthy because it removes food particles from between your teeth. This reduces your risk for developing gum disease or tooth decay by helping to prevent plaque buildup (the sticky substance that forms on teeth).
There are two ways to floss: you can either floss with water or without water; both methods are effective at removing plaque from between the teeth and should be used regularly (every day).
Identify Early Warning Signs of Gum Disease
If you see any of these signs, visit your dentist right away. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and even oral cancer.
Stop Smoking (or don’t start) and Cut Back on Alcohol
Smoking is one of the most common causes of gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss. Smoking also increases your risk for other oral health problems, such as cancer and dry mouth.
Drinking alcohol can cause tooth decay and dry mouth, both leading causes of bad breath. It can also cause throat irritation due to the chemicals in beer and wine (ethanol) that irritate mucous membranes in the throat or esophagus when drinking overly cold beverages too quickly.
Use a Quality Toothpaste
This is your dental resolution, so you get to decide what that means. For many people, it means brushing their teeth twice a day and flossing daily—but it could also mean going to the dentist for regular checkups and getting your teeth cleaned professionally every six months. It may even involve cutting back on sugary foods or smoking cigarettes. Whatever works for you!
Eat a Healthy Diet
To maintain a healthy smile, it’s important to eat a balanced diet. Your teeth and gums will thank you for it! Here are some foods that are good for your mouth:
About Dr. Fred Wong of Blue Ocean Dentistry in Glendora, California
Dr. Fred Wong and the staff at Blue Ocean Dentistry use the latest available dental treatments, equipment, and materials – all of which make a marked difference in our patients’ experiences. We are committed to helping our patients achieve optimal dental health. We creatively combine dental science and artistry — which can literally redesign your smile. Since even a subtle change in your smile will help you to project self-confidence and high self-esteem, we love helping you feel good about yourself. We deliver the finest dental care at the most reasonable cost and accept most dental insurance plans as well as CareCredit. For more about the dental treatment plans we offer or to schedule an appointment, call today (626) 852-6999.