There’s the tired old trope of people being afraid to go to the dentist. Why do most people feel this anxiety?
A primary reason is for the work they tend to do: grinding and picking at your teeth with tools; politely scolding you for your flossing and brushing techniques; the pain you often feel following a deep cleaning. More often than not the anxiety comes down to the second example. It’s understandable to feel a bit of fear before having someone tell you that the work you’re putting in (or not at all) isn’t up to par, and it’s creating health issues. Yet it should be known that your general dentist is never out to hurt your feelings. Rather, they’re looking out for your health, ensuring that you receive the best dental care you can — it’s no surprise they’re one of the 10 most trusted professions in the U.S.).
So, as a person who might feel some anxiety in going to your family dentist and want to skirt the issue of needing excessive dental work, how do perform proper dental care at home?
invisalign.com/news-and-events/2014/teens-think-life-would-be-better-without-social-media” Title=”Dentures, Dental implants gainesville”>There are number of ways to make dentists proud, and it all comes down to make sure you are performing good dental care within your very own bathroom. Let’s take a look:
- Brush twice a day: the American Dental Association suggests this to ensure that you are removing any plaque and bacteria that might be lingering on your teeth. Be sure to use a soft-tipped brush, as anything harder can cause unnecessary gum abrasions. Also, use a fluoride-based toothpaste, as this will remineralize your teeth to protect them from acidic decay.
- Floss between your teeth each and every day: similar to brushing, this is another way to remove any lingering food bits and bacteria from between your teeth, ensuring your covering your bases for good dental care
- See your dentist regularly: you should see your dentist at least once or twice a year. This will allow for you to have a check-up, seeing how your teeth are doing, and if there is any form of periodontal disease
- Rinse your mouth out after having coffee: this is a simple way to lower the acidification that happens when drinking acidic drinks like coffee or tea. Rinsing with water for 30 seconds post-drink will make sure that your mouth’s pH balance isn’t too acidic, protecting your teeth from decay and practicing good personal dental care
- Don’t have too much sugar: fruit, soda, or candy, they all do damage to your teeth, whether for the glucose or fructose present in them. Similar with coffee, consider rinsing your mouth out with water to remove any clinging sugar.
With nearly 50% of adults over the age of 30 having some form of periodontal disease, and at least 20% of Americans having one or more cavities, there is a need to take care of your teeth. Not only for now, but for the future. While implants are an option, remember the sage advice of many older adults: “Protect your teeth. They’re the only ones you get.”