It’s always easier to put off until tomorrow what you can do today than it is to, well, actually do it today. Of course, this momentary convenience, particularly concerning oral health, comes with costs of its own.
Never underestimate the power of simple proactive measures — like regular dental cleanings and exams — to help prevent the need for pricy, painful, and time-consuming treatment in the future. What are the most effective and straightforward steps we can take today to ensure optimal, stress-free oral health in the long run? Let’s take a look!
Solid At-Home Dental Care
Preventive care includes the seemingly small steps we take every day that avert painful and time-consuming issues later. Where oral health is concerned, these include:
- Robust oral hygiene practices — Brushing and flossing at least twice a day and regular rinses with antibacterial mouthwash help prevent the buildup of tooth decay and gum disease-causing bacteria.
- A healthy diet — Avoid foods high in acids and processed sugars and focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Avoiding tobacco — Smoking and smokeless tobacco increase the risk of gum disease and make it more challenging to treat.
Regular Dental Cleanings and Exams
Even the best at-home oral hygiene practices cannot comprehensively clean every corner of a person’s mouth or offset the wear and tear from daily use. That's where regular dental cleanings come in! Unless you’re advised otherwise by a dentist, everyone, regardless of age, should have two routine dental cleanings per year. These routine checkups allow your dentist to monitor and assess your health, identify and proactively treat minor issues before they develop into major threats like gum disease or advanced tooth decay, and preemptively screen for oral cancers.
Friendly and Efficient Oral Exams and Dental Cleanings in Apex, NC
If you’re in Apex and want to take every precaution to ensure a lifetime of beautiful smiles and healthy, robust bites, contact Dr. Michael Bass and the excellent Bass and Watson Family Dental team to schedule your next appointment!