Oral Hygiene Home Care
Many people in Williamsville believe that going to the dentist is impossible because of lack of dental insurance; opting instead to wait until the pain is unbearable and going to the emergency room.
The cost of emergency room care in Western New York is nearly 10 times more than services provided within a private dental office. According to the Pew Center “the cost of treating young children for decay-related ailments in hospital emergency rooms or ambulatory surgery centers jumped from $18.5 million to more than $31 million” from 2004-2008 in the state of New York.
Oral Hygiene Basics
It’s easier to care for your teeth properly, keep up with routine cleanings and checkups, than to go through the treatment to regain your oral health. There are many facets to maintaining good oral hygiene, but the basics are pretty simple: visit your dentist regularly, keep your teeth and gums clean, and eat a well-balanced diet. These simple steps will put you on the road to a healthy, beautiful smile for a lifetime.
An Ounce of Prevention
Most oral health issues are caused by the accumulation of a sticky film on the teeth called plaque. This is really an accumulation of harmful bacteria, which causes the gums to swell, bleed, and become infected. The bacteria also transforms into a powerful acid when it comes in contact with sugar from your diet. Left untreated, people in Western New York, notice increasing bad breath, sensitivity to hot or cold, and gums that bleed when brushing, or feel loose.
It is crucial to do your best to maintain your oral health by reducing dental plaque and the bacteria it harbors. Ideally, you should brush your teeth in the morning and at night with fluoride toothpaste followed by an antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash. You should also floss at least once a day. Finally, it’s a good idea to replace your toothbrush every few months, and especially after you’ve been sick.
Periodontal Disease – Gum Disease
Gum disease can occur for anybody, no matter how well you brush or floss. Symptoms of gum disease can include bad breath, painful or tender gums, swelling, and minor bleeding following flossing or brushing. Research has correlated gum disease to an increase in heart disease and stroke risk, as well as diabetes, so it is important to catch and treat this condition. Advanced gum disease can result in the loss of teeth as well as jawbone deterioration. With regular visits to your Williamsville dentist, gum disease can be treated and reversed, so be sure to come in for your regular check-ups, and alert your dentist if you experience any of these symptoms in between your next exam.
Eat a Low Sugar Diet
Carbonated beverages, fruit juices, sugary snacks all cause acid attacks on your teeth; breaking down the protective enamel that can cause discoloration and sensitivity. More important than the food itself is the frequency of consumption. Each time you eat, your mouth is under attack for 20 minutes. If you sip on a sugary latte or soda throughout the day, you are extending that attack to hours!
Look for sugars in hidden places. If it comes in a package, it likely contains high levels of sugar. Read labels and keep sugar intake below 9 grams per serving. Unexpected “healthy” choices with hidden sugar include: fruit yogurt (up to 28 grams), Pasta Sauce (12 grams) and the pasta also breaks down into sugar in your body, dried fruit (24 grams). Think of 4 grams as one packet of sugar. Your morning yogurt may have up to 7 packets of sugar!
Brush your teeth before meals to remove the plaque, and limit snacking throughout the day to reduce acid attacks.
Regular Dental Visits
Good home care habits are essential, but by themselves cannot remove all of the plaque and bacteria that accumulates on your teeth. The key to maintaining your oral health is by visiting your Williamsville dental hygienist for regular cleanings and dental check-up exams. When you come in for your regular exam, our registered dental hygienists may take a digital x-ray to determine if any changes have occurred since your last dental check-up. In addition, your teeth and gums will be visually examined. Visiting your dental office regularly allows us to catch these concerns early and provide treatment before they escalate into larger issues that are much more involved and costly. Keep your smile beautiful and healthy by calling our Williamsville dental office today for a teeth cleaning and dental examination.