Your Dentist in Richardson Lists 5 Steps for Better Oral Health This Year!

A new year has arrived, and you’ve already created a list of all the goals you’re looking to accomplish. If you’re like most people, you may have overlooked one area that deserves attention – the health of your mouth, teeth and gums. Thus, your dentist in Richardson weighs in with 5 ways you can make this your best year for oral health!

Why Your Oral Health Matters

Achieving excellent oral health should be at the top of your list of priorities because it can have an impact on your overall wellness. For example, maintaining healthy gums decreases your chances of suffering from heart disease by 20%.
Additionally, being more proactive about improving your dental care can help to preserve your smile, prevent bad breath and ensure that you’re able to maintain your teeth – even as you age.
Thankfully, the preventive measures you need to take are simple.

#1 – Commit to Excellent Oral Hygiene

One of your main lines of defense against the many bacteria-related problems that can arise with your oral health is to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. The combination of using the soft toothbrush bristles that agitate and remove debris and the flexible dental floss that navigates into tight spaces, helps to protect you from the rapid growth of bacteria.

#2 – Find Substitutes for Sugar

If you typically have a “sweet tooth,” it can cause problems for your oral health because bacteria are attracted to sugar. Thus, eating excessive amounts of candy, dessert items and other snacks can lead to advanced tooth decay.
An alternative is to consume more fruits and consider sugar-free sweeteners. Making such adjustments will cause less of a negative impact on your teeth and gums.

#3 – Make Water a Priority

Making it a habit to drink more water can do wonders for your oral health. By saturating your mouth, you help to prevent the growth of new bacteria while also aiding in the removal of leftover food particles that could contribute to tooth decay.

#4 – Don’t Ignore any Warning Signs

Usually, you’ll be given several indicators that a problem is developing well before it reaches its peak. When you notice a potential issue, you should immediately bring it to your dentist’s attention. Thus, you can receive the least intrusive and most cost-effective forms of treatment.

#5 – Visit the Dentist

If you’ve been slacking in the area of maintaining regular dental visits, then committing to six-month appointments will make a definite impact on your oral health. That’s because through a combination of cleanings and examinations, any built-up plaque and tartar can be removed, and emerging problems can be identified and addressed.
Not only will taking this approach prevent any unnecessary suffering, but it will improve your “bottom line” by lessening your chances of needing complex dental care that could require greater out-of-pocket contributions.
Since most dental insurance companies renew benefits at the start of the new year, this is the perfect time to make the necessary changes to boost your oral health. So to take a proactive approach and enjoy the many advantages of receiving preventive care, contact your dentist to schedule a visit today!
About the Author
With a Prosthodontic Specialty Certificate from the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey and a Master of Science in Dentistry from the same institution, Dr. Mike Hamid Mirsepasi uses his vast educational background and two decades of experience to provide patients with the best in comprehensive care. He practices at HM Dentistry, and he can be reached for more information through his website.