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:

1. 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;
2. 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;
3. 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;
4. 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;
5. 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.