Monday, August 21, 2023

6 Tips to Keep the Entire Family's Smiles Healthy


 


Did you know that according to the NC Division of Health Benefits, only a limited number of pregnant women who are enrolled in Medicaid actually use the dental health benefits offered? This is alarming since poor oral health during pregnancy affects not only the mother but also the child.  


Keeping a healthy smile for yourself is already hard enough. But when it comes to worrying about your family's smile, particularly kids, this can take dental care to a new level. Especially if you live in a town like Clayton, NC, with tempting coffee shops and new restaurants frequently opening up, the need for dental care becomes all the more necessary  


Having a healthy smile indicates good oral hygiene and improves overall well-being. Whether it is the youngest or oldest family member, ensuring optimal oral health is vital for everyone. You can make oral care a regular and consistent part of your family's routine by following some practices.  


In this article, we will explore the six tips that will help you pay more attention to your family's dental health and keep their smiles healthy.  



1. Regular Dental Visits 
Scheduling routine dental check-ups for the entire family is essential in safeguarding their smiles. Dentists can identify and address potential issues early, preventing them from escalating into more complex problems. Professional cleanings remove hardened plaque (tartar) that regular brushing and flossing can't eliminate. Sealants and fluoride treatments for kids provide extra protection against cavities.  

In North Carolina, such treatments are covered by Medicaid. However, you and your family may not be eligible for Medicaid health coverage. There’s no need to fret. If you live in a town like Clayton, NC, with affordable living costs, dental procedures won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Thus, get in touch with a family orthodontist in Clayton, NC, right away and make sure all your family members have healthy smiles.  

Engage your dentist to create personalized preventive care plans, considering each family member’s unique needs. Additionally, consider orthodontic evaluations for children to address teeth alignment concerns. By prioritizing regular dental visits, your family not only maintains optimal oral health but also learns important techniques and practices for preserving their smiles for years to come. 

2. Encourage Oral Hygiene Habits 
Teaching proper oral hygiene habits to each family member, regardless of age, is paramount for long-lasting smiles. Begin with introducing children to tooth brushing using fluoride toothpaste. Tell them about its importance in preventing cavities. Supervise their brushing until they can effectively do it themselves.  

For adults and teens, using a soft-bristle toothbrush helps prevent enamel erosion and gum sensitivity. Flossing is equally vital to remove plaque and food particles between teeth. Choose age-appropriate dental products and replace toothbrushes every 3-4 months. For seniors, dentures should be cleaned daily and soaked overnight.  

3. Healthy Diet 
We all know that sugary food is the number one enemy of our teeth. While we expect donuts and cereal to be full of sugar, you may not know that sugar is also found in other foods and drinks, such as yogurt, spaghetti sauce, juice, ketchup, and bread. Thus, always read nutritional labels. This will help you learn about the amount of sugar you, your kids, and your family consume daily.  

Some of the best foods to prevent dental issues include dairy products, leafy greens, crunchy veggies and fruits, black and green tea, almonds, and lean proteins. Remember, a healthy diet can significantly help in having a healthy smile and preventing decay and sensitivity. When you cut down the sugary drinks and food, you reduce the chances of getting cavities. It is particularly true and important for children.  

Eating a healthy diet will not only help you maintain your family's dental health, but it will also help overall health and well-being 

4. Choose the Right Products for Dental Care 
In addition to the above tips, ensure your family uses the right and top-quality dental care products for a happier, healthier smile. While you can find various brands and dental products at the drugstore, research all the toothpaste, toothbrushes, and mouthwashes to pick only the best one. You can do it by reading online reviews. Moreover, you can ask your family orthodontist for recommendations as you go for routine cleanings.  

For instance, electric toothbrushes are more effective in removing plaque than ordinary toothbrushes. Similarly, as already mentioned, use a toothpaste that contains fluoride. It helps strengthen the enamel. Also, use strong anti-bacterial mouthwash to fight off bad breath bacteria. It also helps prevent cavities and reduce plaque buildup.  

Thus, make sure your family uses these dental products consistently. Incorporate them into your family's daily routine and help promote many years of healthy and happy smiles.  

5. Look For Swimmer's Calculus 
While you may find it hard to believe, swimming pools can cause tooth damage. This is because pool water is supposed to have a particular pH level. Typically, it should be between 7.2 to 7.8. However, when the pH level drops too low, the water can be acidic. As we know, acidic water can drastically affect the entire body, let alone teeth.  

For instance, it can burn the eyes and cause skin irritation and tooth enamel erosion. So, if your family likes hanging out at the pool frequently, watch out for swimmer's calculus. The clear indication of the swimmer's calculus is having brown spotting on the teeth. While it is nearly impossible to fix the issue at home, if you find the signs of it, visit your dentist immediately 

6. Stay Hydrated  
Staying hydrated throughout the day not only helps in maintaining overall health but also helps in ensuring healthy saliva flow. Drinking sufficient water helps keep your mouth clean, prevents cavities, and strengthens your gums and teeth. Also, it helps wash away harmful acidic bacteria produced by saliva and food throughout the day.  

Drinking water throughout the day can help your family with dental care in many ways. For instance, it helps rebuild the enamel of teeth, prevent stains from forming, prevent and fight bad breath, fight against dry mouth, and keep the mouth and gums hydrated.  


The Final Words 

Caring for your family's teeth is a big task, especially if you have kids. However, by practicing the above-discussed tips, you can help your family keep a healthy and bright smile for years to come. So, visit your dentist regularly, stay hydrated, eat a healthy diet, and choose the right dental products. Good luck! 

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