Tips from Your Plano Dentist on Oral Health in 2019

Did you know that your oral health can have an impact on your overall well-being? It’s true, studies have shown that dental issues like gum disease can increase your risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and most recently, Alzheimer’s. Thankfully, taking care of your oral health is easy if you use these tips from your Plano dentist. Keep reading to discover some simple yet effective ways to keep your mouth healthy in the new year.

Everyday Brushing and Flossing

You may know that brushing and flossing every day is important, but do you know the best way to clean your teeth? Hold your brush at a 90-degree angle and make sure to clean your gumline. Each brushing session should last for 2-minutes, twice a day to get the full benefits of your toothbrush.

Additionally, you should floss once a day to clean out plaque and food debris from in between your teeth. Flossing is also a great way to prevent gum disease, which affects around 50% of the current US population.

Routine Dental Visits

Your first line of defense against cavities, decay, disease, and other dental issues is your at-home routine, but regular dental visits are just as important. During these routine checkups and cleanings, your dentist can detect any signs of oral health issues and even oral cancer. Some problems like cancer can go unnoticed, which makes these routine dental visits potentially life-saving.

Your dentist will also take X-Rays of your teeth to find any problems that can’t be seen with the naked eye. After, you’ll receive a thorough cleaning to remove plaque and tartar that couldn’t be cleaned during your normal routine.

Avoid Sugary Snacks

Sugar is a main instigator of cavities because when it comes into contact with the bacteria in your mouth, it turns into acid that eats away at your tooth enamel. You can avoid this altogether by decreasing your daily sugar intake. You can use substitutes like xylitol to give you a sweet taste with out the negative side effects of sugar.

If you must indulge, reach for some chocolate! It’s creamy and rinses away easier than other sticky or hard candies like toffee or caramel. These types of sweets stay in contact with your teeth for long periods of time, which increases your risk of tooth decay.

Now that you know some healthy dental habits, are you ready to take on 2019? Use these tips to keep your pearly whites healthy for the new year.

Meet the Dentist

Dr. Bita Kamali is a native Texan with a passion for caring for her community. She believes in patient education, which is why she wants you to know some easy oral health tips for 2019. She can’t wait to help new patients in the new year, and she takes pride in providing comfortable and relaxing dentistry. She currently practices at Parkway Vista Dental, and she can be reached through her website or by phone at (972) 818-1300 for any questions.