Dental health week is approaching again, running from the 7th to the 13th of August. This year focuses on “Oral health for busy lives”. Although we all get caught up in the details of our lives, it is important to make time to look after our oral health.
Dedicating time each day to brushing, flossing, and eating well ultimately saves us time and money. Unfortunately, sometimes it is difficult to balance this care against out busy schedules.
At Warner Lakes Dental we sympathize with how busy you are, but we also work hard to ensure your dental health. Balancing the short-term need to carve out time is one thing, but it is another altogether bad thing if it eventually leads to spending too much time in treatment or addressing health issues related to poor oral hygiene.
The Consequences of Poor Dental Care
Skimping on oral hygiene can lead to all sorts of health issues including:
Bad breath: Aside from bad breath, not removing plaque can lead to decay, cavities, and irreparable damage to the tooth structure.
Bleeding gums: Poor oral hygiene can lead to inflamed, bleeding gums.
Loose teeth: Failing to clean your teeth can eventually lead to periodontitis, bone damage, and eventually loose teeth.
Coronary heart disease: The toxins and bacteria in your mouth can enter coronary arteries, causing a potential blockage. These blockages, then, can lead to a heart attack.
Other health problems: Health problems including inflammation, diabetes, complications in pregnancy, cancer, and even dementia have all been linked to poor oral hygiene.
The time you spend on oral hygiene is time you will be handsomely paid back in healthy, productive time in the future.
It Begins With Home Care
If you could guarantee improved health in only five minutes a day, wouldn’t you jump at the opportunity?
Well, that’s what good oral hygiene at home can bring you. And with good health, comes more time to do the things you really want to do!
So, practice good at-home habits:
Brushing is the most obvious requirement and it should be a 2-minute brushing, twice a day.
Flossing is a critical element of your mouth’s health. Do it at least once a day.
Cleaning your tongue is an easy addition to your routine and will benefit your mouth greatly. You can use your toothbrush, floss, or purchase an OTC tongue-scraper at your pharmacy.
Finally, use mouthwash. Take a small amount into your mouth, swish it for 30-40 seconds, and then spit.
Keep Healthy By Working Nutrition Into Your Life
Adding nutrition to your diet should cost you no extra time – it’s just a question of choosing healthy foods to replace unhealthy one.
The best choices for healthy teeth are foods containing:
Calcium. Calcium helps teeth and bones stay strong.
Vitamin D. You need Vitamin D to absorb calcium, which builds and maintains healthy teeth.
Vitamin C. Vitamin C is necessary for healthy gums, which help keep your teeth firmly in place.
A healthy crunch. Crunchy fruits and vegetables can help wipe away plaque-causing bacteria. They can also increase the production of saliva, which helps neutralise bacteria.
Carry That Kit!
Dental kits used to be for traveling, but now they are for everyday use. These kits can turn any free time, time at a desk, or time in a restroom, into a time for dental hygiene.
Your kit should contain:
- Soft-bristled travel toothbrush (with cover):These are smaller than usual toothbrushes, and easier to pack.
- Fluoride toothpaste: Fluoride toothpaste helps remove plaque, which can cause gum disease and tooth decay.
- Floss or floss threaders: Floss helps to remove food particles trapped between teeth.
- Fluoride mouthwash:Mouthwash freshens breath and fights bacteria.
Take The Time To Visit Warner Lakes Dental
At Warner Lakes Dental we recognize that you are more than just a number in our computer system. We never keep patients waiting for long periods of time. We value your time too much to keep you waiting in our waiting room, and keep the time of your appointment for you alone.
We are open until 6 or 7 pm most weeknights, and also offer Saturday appointments for your convenience!
The Warner Lakes Dental Care Experience
Warner Lakes Dental wants your visit to be the quickest and most convenient dental experience that you’ve ever had, and one with little or no anxiety! From parking to treatment, we try to make the entire process as simple and painless as possible!
At Warner Lakes Dental your oral health is important to us from the toothpaste you use to the smile you show the world. We provide gentle, quality care for conditions ranging from tooth replacement to simple cleaning and polishing.