The Importance of Maintaining Good Oral Health

A healthier smile means a healthier you. Here’s how you can improve your current dental routine.

You want to keep your teeth and gums healthy but perhaps you’re not sure if your current oral care routine is really giving your smile a thorough clean or if you are doing everything you could be. This is where our Green Bay, WI family dentist Dr. Adam Pasono can help. While we are all sheltering in place, now is the perfect time to amp up your regular at-home routine for a healthier smile.

The Link Between Oral Health and General Health

Poor oral health doesn’t just affect your teeth and gums, it also has a serious impact on your overall health. Poor or lacking hygiene doesn’t just lead to cavities, gum disease, damaged teeth, and infections, but it can also increase your risk for serious health problems including:

• Heart and kidney disease
• Diabetes
• Oral and pancreatic cancers
• Digestive problems (e.g. IBS)

How to Maintain Good Oral Health

Now you can see why it’s so important to properly care for your smile. The health benefits you’ll enjoy from good oral hygiene is long-lasting. So, what is involved in maintaining good oral hygiene? Here are some tips:

• Make sure you are drinking enough water each day, as water contains fluoride which keeps tooth enamel healthy and strong
• Use fluoride toothpaste whenever you brush your teeth
• Make sure to brush your teeth two times a day for two minutes at a time
• Floss your teeth once a day
• See your Green Bay, WI, dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups
• Limit sugar, starches, and alcohol
• Consume a healthy, plant-based diet
• Avoid or quit using tobacco products

If you have certain health problems such as diabetes you may be more at risk for gum disease and other dental issues. It’s important that you not only work with a regular doctor who can provide you with lifestyle changes and medication to control your blood sugar levels, but also have a dentist you can turn to for regular checkups and when problems arise.

Furthermore, pregnant or menopausal women, as well as patients dealing with dry mouth may require additional or special care and treatment. If you are dealing with any health problems be sure to talk with your dentist to find out how it may impact your oral health.

Right now, our dentist and his staff here in Green Bay, WI, want patients to stay in and stay safe during this time. While we are happy to reschedule routine dental appointments, if you are dealing with a true dental emergency (e.g. knocked-out tooth; severe toothache) you can still turn to Green Bay Family Dentistry for care. Call us at (920) 432-8492.