June is National Oral Health Month, and there’s never been a better time to invest in your comfort and well-being by taking steps to improve your dental hygiene. Oral health is a critical component of your overall well-being. It’s not only connected to your ability to ingest and enjoy food, but also to your cardiovascular system. According to the Mayo Clinic, gum disease and tooth loss are also connected to an increased risk of heart disease and periodontal disease can be linked to several other systemic concerns such as diabetes.
Steps you can take to improve your dental health
- Floss at least once per day – and you have several options to choose from, whether it be regular dental floss, disposable picks, or electric water flossers. Your dentist can help you decide which is the best for you.
- Ensure you take care of your tongue by brushing it with your toothbrush or using a tongue scraper. The tongue itself can hold a host of bacteria that can make the jump to your teeth and gums.
- Refrain from consuming sugar and smoking as much as possible.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash to limit growth inside the mouth.
- Invest in a good toothbrush, with an electric brush the best option of all, as it has been shown to clean much more effectively than a manual brush.
Remember, an ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure!
Visit your dentist regularly
No matter how long it has been since your last checkup, there is no time like the present to schedule one. A cleaning and consultation can help you assess your overall oral health and help you determine what further steps are needed, if any. Even if your teeth feel fine to you, the Foote Family Dental Care team can help you discover and address any potential concerns in your oral health that you may not know about. Early intervention is the single biggest predictor of future health, and the team is here to help you in a welcoming, safe, and friendly manner.
If you would like to schedule an appointment or if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us!
