Is It Time To Spring Clean Your Dental Regime For 2020?
Put a spring in your step and a fresh smile on your face!
As the weather begins to improve, new growth begins on trees and flowers, and we all enjoy the evenings getting lighter, it’s clear that spring is in the air.
This is the time of year that many of us look to blow the cobwebs away, perhaps starting with the home and garden benefitting from a deep spring clean ready for summer. It can also be a case of freshening up anything from your diet, to your exercise regime and even your career if you fancy it. It is a great time for change!
Today, Abbey Road Dental chips in by helping you spring clean your dental regime for the rest of 2020 ahead. We want to help you make easy changes and improvements that help you get healthier, happier smiles and then keep them.
Here’s how to kick-start your dental regime:
Good foundations are key
Before we start referencing the many things that you can do as part of your oral health regime, it is important to think about the foundations of good dental health. No amount of treatment or brushing can eradicate certain habits that can destroy your teeth so let’s take a look at some of the lifestyle habits to avoid or moderate:
Smoking – We all know smoking is bad for your health, and your mouth doesn’t escape the negative effects. Smoking can cause staining on your teeth, which is quite drastic if you have been smoking for a while. Brown streaks and overall yellowing of the teeth are common with smokers. You are also more likely to suffer from gum disease and cavities as a smoker. Lastly, your breath is affected by stale smoke and the dry mouth smoking can cause.
A Bad Diet – A diet filled with sugar and starchy foods will damage the teeth regardless of how much you brush your teeth. There’s only so much that your saliva and your brushing can defend your teeth against relentless exposure to sugar and acidic foods.
Drinking A Lot Of Alcohol – Drinking more than the recommended daily amount of alcohol is very bad for your health, and of course your oral health. It can leave you prone to gum disease and cavities.
Stress – Stress and anxiety can actually lower your immune system’s ability to fight diseases like gum disease. So if you have uncontrolled stress and anxiety you may find it showing itself in your oral health.
The above are just some of the key issues that can affect oral health. So, if you know that you have some habits like the above that could do with a change, seek some support from your GP, pharmacist, therapist or friends and family as a first step.
Your Daily Regime Matters
Your daily regime is so important when it comes to maintaining good oral health. Cleaning twice a day for two minutes with the right technique is a fantastic start that will keep you on top of plaque and bacteria that can lead to cavities and gum disease. If you need some help getting your technique right, with tips on products to use, how to floss and ensuring you are cleaning effectively, why not pay our Abbey Road Dental hygienist a visit? She is highly trained in dental cleaning and helping patients maintain their oral health between dental visits.
Play Any Sports? How About Teeth Grinding Whilst You Sleep?
Some things that we do without thinking about our oral health put our teeth and gums at risk. Playing sports, for example, can put you at risk of some nasty soft tissue injuries that can need some detailed work to put right.
Grinding whilst you sleep is another risk factor when it comes to your oral health. Bruxism as it is also known, can grind the teeth right down and even cause them to become loose.
You can easily make some changes to these risk factors by getting some oral protection. There are special types of splints and guards that can help you to protect your teeth and gums from grinding and potential sports injuries. You can purchase them online and in shops but the most effective types are bespoke and made for you only. If you pop in to see us at our NW8 clinic we can advise you on the best type of guard or splint for your needs, and the associated costs in making it for you.
Are You Going To Your Dental Appointments?
It is so important to keep up your appointments here at Abbey Road Dental. When we perform a checkup, we check absolutely everything, from the health of your gums, teeth and all the soft tissues in and around your mouth. Dentists are often the first to spot early signs of cancer and other oral issues that are best caught sooner, rather than later.
By going to your appointments regularly you are doing so much good for your oral health. So if that is an area you feel you may have put to the side, please give us a call and book your appointment today. It is never too late to get the oral health care that you need!
How About Your Doctor’s Appointments?
So many issues with your general health can affect your oral health too, and similarly, so many oral health problems can affect your general health. The two things are completely linked, which is why it is important to pay attention to your general health if you want a healthy and happy smile.
If you have any health issues that are out of control, or that require regular reviews with your doctor, get an appointment booked. The sooner those problems are diagnosed and checked, the sooner your health can stabilise. Any ongoing health issues and medications should be something you let your NW8 dentist know about as we can then change your oral health management plan accordingly. We’ve usually got lots of suggestions to help.
Are You Planning On Getting Pregnant?
If spring and onwards means new growth in your family home in the way of a new baby, you should speak to your dentist as your oral care needs to change when you are pregnant. Ideally, you will speak to your dentist before you get pregnant so that any work that is needed can be completed first. X-rays and other diagnostics are always best done in advance of pregnancy.
Are You Ready To Spring Clean Your Oral Health Regime?
Hopefully our tips above have helped you feel inspired to give your dental care an overhaul this year. With the right care and attention, and support from your GP and NW8 dentist, you can have happy, healthy teeth for many years to come.
Need to make an appointment? Please call our helpful team on 02076241603 and we’ll make you a booking at a time to suit you. We’re always here to help!