15 May Brushing and Flossing Do More Than Just Clean Teeth
Your dentist makes it a point to address the importance of daily brushing and flossing. Everyone wants great looking teeth; but healthy teeth and gums do more than enhance your appearance.
Daily Oral Care
The guidelines for brushing teeth are to brush for a minimum of two minutes twice every day using a fluoridated toothpaste. Four minutes a day doesn’t seem like too much, but forgetting to brush or just neglecting to do so can result in dental plaque forming and building on teeth that can lead to cavity formation or the onset of gum disease.
When you brush you only reach about two thirds of the surface of your teeth. Flossing is needed to remove what your toothbrush missed from between teeth. The varieties of dental floss available should make it easy for you to find the one that works best for you. You should floss at least once daily.
The Importance of Oral Health
Research is ongoing that proves there is a direct correlation between oral and overall health. If your teeth are unhealthy, you may not be able to get the nourishment needed to maintain a healthy body. Diseases of the immune system as well as heart health are widely discussed in connection with oral health.
Keeping teeth clean and healthy is about more than just brushing and flossing; although these are two very important aspects in maintaining oral health, other considerations include:
Diet – A healthy diet is made up primarily of vegetables, fruits, dairy, proteins, and healthy grains. While everyone enjoys an occasional treat, these should not be part of a healthy daily diet.
Beverages – Water is key … the human body relies on water consumption to stay properly hydrated. Sugary beverages like soda or juices lead to plaque buildup on teeth. There are many ways to add variety to water like fresh fruit or a sugar free flavoring.
Lifestyle habits – Smoking and smokeless tobacco products are harmful in so many ways; when it comes to dental health, it is a fact that users are much more likely to experience gum disease and tooth loss.
For additional tips or to schedule a visit, contact Aesthetic Dental Partners today.