Are Your Teeth Given Priority in Your Life?
No doubt you have many healthcare priorities in your life.
That said where do your teeth stand on the priority list?
Unfortunately, too many people give their teeth too little attention, oftentimes leading to painful outcomes, both literally and in the wallet or purse.
So, are you one of those people not giving your teeth enough priority?
Great Dental Care Begins at Home
The bottom line is that great dental care starts and ends in the home.
Sure, trips to see the dentist should never be overlooked, but your dental care gets a real boost when you brush and floss regularly morning, noon and night.
With that being the case, see if you need to brush up on the following:
-
- Brushing – Simply put, brushing regularly can mean the difference between healthy teeth and years of extensive dental visits, along with more money coming out of your pocket. While it is commonly known that you brush after each and every meal, make sure the brushings are quality ones. Trying to brush only at night and covering several meals during the day won’t cut it. Also be sure to brush your gums too, cutting down on the chances of being saddled with gingivitis.
- Flossing – How many times over the years has your dentist told you to floss daily? Such a simple procedure can be done in no more than a minute’s time, helping you remove dangerous food particles that can become trapped between teeth and around the edges of the gums. Since you are more than likely to be out of your house at some point during the day, be sure to carry a small container of floss with you, allowing you to care for your teeth whenever you want to;
- Dentist – Not lost in the importance of brushing and flossing is seeing your dentist on a regular basis (two visits a year is considered normal). Whether you opt for a dentist in Flagstaff (Arizona) or one near where you reside or work, never overlook the importance of these get-togethers. While getting your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist is important, have the dentist examine your teeth is priceless. He or she can look for any major concerns, i.e. cavities forming, gingivitis, cancer of the mouth, etc. If you have fears of seeing the dentist (on a regular basis) as many patients do, there are remedies for that problem too. The bottom line is you should always make time for at minimum one dental visit (preferably two) during the year. The 30 minutes or so spent in the dental chair can end up not only saving your teeth for the rest of your life, but also assist in catching other potential health issues.
- Diet – Choosing the right diet is beneficial to your health for a number of reasons, one of which is keeping your teeth healthy for decades to come. Avoiding certain foods and sugary drinks can go a long way in helping you preserve your teeth. If you must drink sodas, be sure to use a straw to limit the impact the drink has on your teeth. You should also flush your mouth with water after consuming any sugary drinks, as this helps not only preserve the teeth, but also cuts down on staining issues.
- Children – If you have kids, get them going with good brushing habits at an early age. With summer break just around the corner, your kids will undoubtedly be home for the next few months, minus a camp or two. You are a role model for your child or children, so showing them the importance of brushing their teeth daily (three times a day) is a great way to send a message. Kids are notorious for eating snacks, along with consuming sugary drinks on occasion. As a result, their still developing teeth can rebel against them. By teaching them the value of regular brushing and flossing early on, you lessen the chances they will grow up with major dental issues.
Taking care of your teeth should be one of your priorities in life.
If it hasn’t been up to this point, change that moving forward with a smile on your face.
![Little girl at Ninjago at LegoLand California](https://peanutbutterandwhine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/IMG_4551-e1461990270574.jpg)
![Black leather purse](https://peanutbutterandwhine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/image-97.jpeg)
8 Comments
Tamra Phelps
I obsess about my teeth, lol. I have those weird dreams where your teeth fall out, lol
Kate Sarsfield
My 6-monthly check up fell during the complete lockdown earlier this year. I’m due to go mid-September & am dreading what she finds!
Sarah L
I agree that it’s very important to start kids out right. And part of that is seeing the parents do the right things for their teeth.
Tamra Phelps
I’m probably a little obsessed with my teeth, lol. I’ve seen my Mom go through having hers pulled & having to get dentures. I do not want to go through that.
Richard Hicks
Often times, our budget is so tight the teeth are too low on the priority totem pole
Anon.
I do all that I can at home, but have run into some hurdles with regards to seeing a dentist. I have Medicaid, and have been trying so hard to get in to see a dentist. First, there is a limited number of dentists accepting Medicaid; some are just not accepting new patients at all. Wait-lists are full. The biggest problem, though, is that under state law, a person with the kind of public aid medical/dental coverage that I do– and I still can’t believe this– cannot pay out-of-pocket for dental care. If I go out of state to where I used to live, I’d have to lie and say that I have no insurance coverage. I’m sure that I’d get caught somehow, eventually. I don’t know what to do.
Cathy French
My teeth don’t get as much attention as they should.
KATE SARSFIELD
Mine were pretty-near perfect until the last couple of years when I’m afraid first Dad and now Mum’s heath concerns got in the way. I know I’ve let things slide but have promised myself that once the summer comes I’ll be heading straight for my dentist.