Welcome to 2016, and to the Future of Dentistry! It’s amazing how far dentistry has come even within our own lifetimes. At Future of D
entistry, we utilize sophisticated tools and techniques. One example is laser detection of tooth decay, which can even reduce the need for fillings.
Not everything about oral health is modern and high-tech, however. In honor of 2016, here are six essential components to protecting your smile and improving your oral health.
1) Stop Grazing
There’s nothing wrong with healthy snacks, but “grazing” throughout
the day exposes your mouth to harmful acid attacks. Sugars and carbs are the worst offenders, and unfortunately, they’re often in office break rooms. Keep in mind your beverages, too. Sipping on high-acid drinks (including sugar-free soda!) can be as bad as unhealthy snacks.
2) Swish!
Mouthwash should be part of your daily regimen, and it should be an antimicrobial rinse. The minty fresh taste is great, but the key here is fighting plaque and gingivitis. Mouthwash can reach places your toothbrush can’t access.
3) The Clean Team
Regular dentist visits are important – from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to the American Academy of Pediatrics, health experts agree. Think of your hygiene appointment as an oral health checkup. Like any checkup, it’s important to go before there’s a problem. If you’re uninsured, don’t let that be a barrier to oral health. Call our office and ask about our Membership Plan. It’s designed to help patients save money on treatment at Future of Dentistry.
4) Brush better, not harder
Brushing twice a day is the foundation of oral health. There are countless varieties of toothbrushes and toothpastes, but what really matters is how long you brush and the way you brush. Pressing very hard on your teeth can actually make things worse. Instead, spend about two minutes gently brushing. For kids, a timer is helpful.
5) Floss Like a Boss
The simple truth is that flossing needs to be part of your daily routine. It’s essential for removing plaque – that yucky film that can cause receding gums, cavities, tooth loss and disease. Many patients floss as part of their before-bed ritual, but go with whatever works best for you. Some people are more inclined to floss when they have floss picks, so you may want to give them a shot.
6) Chew On This
Chewing sugar-free gum for 20 minutes every day is great for your teeth. We recommend products that have xylitol as a main ingredient. For more information, see our previous newsletter, where we delve more deeply into this topic.
As always, please contact us if you have any questions about your oral health. Call 781-245-2299, email info@futureofdentistry.com, or contact us through futureofdentistry.com or on Facebook.