People know which habits can wreak havoc upon their overall health. For example, smoking can lead to lung cancer, drinking excessively can cause liver damage, and not eating right tends to reflect poorly on your waistline. Yet, do you take as many precautions to guard your dental health? The majority of people don’t think much about their teeth; however, the state of your teeth reveals how well your body is functioning. For this reason, dentists urge patients to care more about their smiles.
To ensure your smile and body remain in top-notch shape, Dr. Gilly Calcagno, your Rochester, MN dentist shares a few oral health care tips.
What Were Your Teeth Not Meant to Do?
Have your ever used your mouth for something other than its intended use, like, opened a bag of chips or perhaps tried to undo an overly tightened knot? These habits make dentists cringe, your Rochester, MN dentist included.
Teeth were not meant to function as everyday tools for opening and cutting household objects. This not only makes your teeth more susceptible to breaking or dislodging, it places a great amount of pressure upon your jaw joint and the surrounding muscles. Therefore, if you’ve made a habit of using your teeth to crush ice or chew pens, Dr. Calcagno highly advises that you break those habits for the sake of your smile.
Precautions to Take for Your Smile
- Visit the dentist often. A simple way to make sure your smile is in sound health is by visiting the dentist twice a year. Checkups allow the dentist to examine your mouth for the presence of dental issues, such as, tooth decay, gum disease, and even oral cancer. Additionally, it provides you the opportunity to ask any questions or raise any concerns you may have.
- Brush with care. Brushing and flossing everyday is a must, however, completing the task properly is equally important. Make sure you’re brushing in a circular motion with a soft-bristled brush. Furthermore, floss at least once a day to remove any lingering food particles and plaque that’s accumulated between your teeth and along the gum line.
- Watch out for sugar. Oral bacteria creates an acid that breaks down the enamel as a byproduct of feeding on leftover sugar morsels. Thus, if you eat something sugary, take care to brush immediately after to avoid the onset of tooth decay.
Visit Calcagno Family Dentistry for Dental Implant Placement
If you would like more information on maintaining your smile’s healthy status, talk to Dr. Calcagno. She explain which habits to prove harmful for smiles to help you break those tendencies. To schedule an appointment with your Rochester, MN dentist, call us at (507) 281-3659. Also, visit our website for services, before and after photos, and testimonials. We look forward to treating patients from Red Wing, St. Charles, Winona, Farmington and surrounding communities.
