As you get older, it’s important to take good care of yourself in all respects. This certainly applies to your teeth and gums, as a diligent oral care routine can make a world of difference for your smile. Just like the rest of your body, as you get older the potential for oral health issues to crop up increases. Keep reading to learn valuable dental hygiene tips in Dallas that can minimize the trouble your teeth encounter while you enjoy your golden years.
#1: Reduce Your Sugar Consumption
From sodas and coffee to ice cream, many of the finer things in life are packed with sugar. Once this delicious ingredient hits your mouth, it combines with the bacteria to form an enamel-eroding acid, which significantly increases your risk of decay and cavities. To protect your teeth and gums, keep your sugar intake to a minimum.
#2: Avoid Hazardous Behavior
Occasionally chewing on a pen cap or using your teeth to open something may not seem like a huge deal, but all it takes is one wrong bite to sustain a crack or chip. Then, there’s smoking, which has been linked to mouth and throat cancer, heart disease, and other serious medical conditions. Therefore, it’s best to avoid risky actions like these altogether.
#3: Brush and Floss Daily
To keep your teeth and gums in excellent condition for as long as possible, it is of the utmost importance that you are consistent with your at-home dental hygiene regimen. To start, make sure to brush at least twice a day for two minutes at a time. Follow that up with floss in the evening, which will clean the remaining 40 percent of your teeth’ surface. It is also a good idea to clean your tongue and use mouthwash regularly.
#4: See Your Dentist Regularly
No matter how good your at-home oral care routine is, it is insufficient without biannual visits to a trusted dentist for seniors in Dallas. After all, these appointments play a crucial role in identifying dental concerns like gum disease in the initial stages and detecting oral cancer. Plus, the special tools your dental team uses during the cleaning portion of your visit are the only instruments that can remove all stubborn plaque and caked-on tartar.
No matter your age, you deserve to speak clearly, chew without pain, and smile confidently. The good news is that implementing these four steps consistently can help you maintain a level of oral health you can smile about!
About the Practice
At Distinctive Dentistry, we are committed to offering exceptional family dentistry to patients in Dallas and surrounding communities while utilizing cutting-edge technology. We accept dental insurance and financing is available, plus we offer a membership savings plan. No matter the dental service – restorative, cosmetic, specialty, general, or dental implants – we are ready to help. From children to seniors, let us take your smile to the next level after you’ve learned these dental hygiene tips in Dallas. You can make an appointment on our website or call (770) 445-6606.