I have been exercising and improving some habits in my life. I know I need to do a better job taking care of my teeth. What are some things I can do to improve my oral habits?
– Cindy from Oklahoma
Cindy,
I recommend a few things to make sure you stay on track with your dental care.
1. Start by brushing two to three times a day for at least two minutes and be sure to floss daily. If you’re unsure about the proper technique for brushing and flossing, there are many informative online videos to help you. Just a few small changes in your hygiene make a big difference. One device that helps with brushing is the Sonic toothbrush. This toothbrush removes more plaque than a regular toothbrush and you can even set the time on the toothbrush for two minutes.
2. Make sure you visit your dentist every six months and get an exam and professional cleaning. It’s important to have an oral cancer screening if you have never had one done as the dental professional is trained to detect small changes in the mouth and early detection is important as just over half of the patients diagnosed with oral cancer will survive more than five years. If you are over 50 and smoke or drink excessively or have had the HPV virus (Human Papilloma Virus), you are at higher risk for oral cancer and should be screened.
3. Finally, add an over-the-counter fluoride rinse to fight bad breath and cavities. There are many choices but they should contain sodium fluoride to decrease your risk for cavities. Some studies have indicated a reduction in cavities of up to 70% when used as directed.
By following these practices, you will improve your dental hygiene and suffer from fewer dental issues.
This blog is brought to you by Region Dental.