Modern dentistry has become such a commonplace part of everyday life that it’s hard to imagine where we would be without it. Yet there are still some fundamental issues every dentist wants their patients to know. Being mindful of these seven simple things will go a long way to ensuring you give your precious teeth and gums the best possible chance to stay healthy long into the future.
1. Brushing and flossing are the basics of front-line dental care
The truth is, you are probably not doing either of them well enough or often enough. Two full minutes brushing, twice per day, is what is required. Think of it this way: if you brush for only a minute, you are leaving half the plaque on your teeth to keep doing damage. Yes, flossing can be a bore but there is simply no better way to get food out from between your teeth. Brushing only lodges these food particles deeper into the crevices. Flossing after every meal ensures that decaying food matter won’t lead to decaying teeth.
2. Dental problems don’t magically disappear
they just get worse over time if left untreated. Pain isn’t the only indicator of dental problems and many serious issues don’t cause significant pain in the early stages. Regular check-ups will catch things early so get treatment and don’t delay it. Complications are harder to manage and more expensive to deal with. The old adage about an ounce of prevention being better than a pound of cure still holds true.
3. The human body is comprised of an intricate set of interconnected systems
Dental disease can be an indicator of an underlying illness that may be deadly or serious. Gum disease, or periodontitis, can affect the heart due to bacteria from infections entering the blood stream. Plaque can build up in the veins or lodge on the heart valves, increasing the chances of having a heart attack. Don’t compromise your future health by procrastinating over your teeth; the risk is never worth it.
4. Extracting unhealthy teeth should be a last resort, and the preference is always to save them whenever possible
Root canals are still the best option, but many people are afraid of experiencing pain and suffering. With the modern medications used at dental clinics, these fears are largely unfounded. Saving your teeth is not a plot by your dentist to squeeze more money out of you. When a tooth is extracted, bone loss inevitably occurs, and this can loosen the surrounding teeth, leading to further problems in the future. It’s a type of domino effect that is almost impossible to reverse once it is set in motion and is therefore best to avoid.
4. Dental x-rays are harmless
You are exposed to more radiation when walking in the sun for an hour than you’ll ever get sitting at the dentist’s office. Without x-rays, underlying issues can be missed. When your dentist has digital radiography at hand, they have the very best information to guide them on how to proceed.
5. Dental care can be expensive but quick fixes or poor advice can lead to further complication in the future that will still need to be addressed
It definitely pays to shop around and get multiple opinions but in dentistry as in most of life, you tend to get what you pay for. Budget dentistry may seem like a money saver but at best the work will probably need to be redone. At worst there may be untold damage occurring beneath the surface that can cause unnecessary harm. Getting the best of care helps avoid future problems by safeguarding your dental and general health.
6. Cosmetic dentistry such as veneers, bridges, and crowns should not be done without first addressing the underlying problems
Gums disease and decay beneath the work will lead to serious health issues; it’s not a matter of plastering on a new facade. Just like buildings, there needs to be a healthy and firm foundation to build upon. Otherwise the surface will crumble down leaving you frustrated, out of pocket, and still needing the basic work that should have been done in the first place. Save unnecessary pain, money, and heartache by doing things properly from the beginning.
Hopefully these seven tips will hold you in good stead for many years to come. Every time you eat, grin, are photographed, or are complimented on your smile, you’ll be glad you went the extra mile to take good care of your dental health.