Updated: 1/28/2020
We recently talked about what you should remember for your family’s dental care. Now, we’ll dive into what you should remember for your own dental care.
The last thing most people want to think about is dental health. The hygiene, appointments and bills can, at times, seem like a hassle. Nonetheless, it’s important. Luckily, we’ve made thinking about it easy with a list of reminders as we move into the New Year.
Getting Started
It’s hard to know where to begin when staring at the abyss of options. Understandably, you want to pick a dentist you like and a plan that works. An alternative to insurance is discount dental plans. We wrote an article about the plans at 1Dental here.
Finding a dentist is the tricky part…and there really aren’t very many tips except for one: take recommendations. If someone is good, people will tell you. Other things to keep in mind while looking for a dentist are:
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- Location
- Schedule
- Staff
- Cleanliness
- Cost
- Plans accepted
- Referral policy
Good Dental Habits
Regularly flossing and brushing your teeth can take you a long way. I know sometimes it feels like a chore, but it will feel a lot better than a cavity and bill. Additionally, using mouthwash can also benefit you by:
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- Decreasing cavities
- Disinfecting the mouth
- Preventing gum disease
There are also several superfoods that are beneficial for your oral health:
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- Milk
- Yogurt
- Nuts
- Oranges
- Apples
- Cheese
- Mushrooms
Bad Dental Habits
Unsurprisingly, there are a few small habits that can be harmful to your dental health:
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- Morning Coffee
- Swimming
- Over-Brushing
- Diet Pills
- Ice Chewing
- Nail Biting
- Sucking (On hard candy/ice/etc.)
- Smoking
Because of their acidity, sodas can also be harmful to your teeth. Watch out for things with high sugar content, such as: Dr. Pepper, Mountain Dew, etc. Also avoid candy that is hard, sticky or sour.
Keep in Mind
Other things to keep in mind are:
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- The connection between exercise and oral health.
- Any big procedures coming up, such as wisdom teeth removal.
- How overall health affects dental
Although dental health can feel like a pain in the neck, taking care of it can really pay off (so that YOU won’t have to pay more). As you progress through the New Year, consider ways to improve your oral health.
What are some things you remember to do for your dental health?
