Everybody likes to believe they’re taking the right precautions when it comes to keeping good oral health, but few actually have the know-how to sustain good routines. Between being busy with work, kids, and life in general, sometimes your oral hygiene is the last thing on your mind.
When the things you’re doing at home just don’t seem to be enough, it’s time to call in the pros and visit a dentist who can provide you with the oral care tips and tricks you need to maintain your beautiful smile for as long as possible. Here are a few things you probably didn’t know about oral health that may make you rethink how much you actually know about your teeth and gums:
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Oral heath is a lifelong struggle. Taking care of your mouth begins as soon as your first tooth emerges as a toddler. Specifically, children should be taken to the dentist within six months after their first tooth emerges, according to the American Dental Association. The ADA also recommends all children be evaluated for orthodontics by age seven to diagnosis and treat any abnormalities in their early stages.
Brushing isn’t enough. It’d be nice if brushing as the only thing we needed to do to maintain great oral health, but sadly that is not the case. Your dentist has probably told you a thousand times to start flossing, and if you haven’t caved in and heeded the advice yet, it’s time to reconsider. As soon as two teeth are touching in your mouth, plaque begins building between the teeth that can lead to tooth decay, gingivitis, and gum disease. Flossing is one of the best preventative things you can do to ward off dangerous oral health issues and keep strong teeth for years to come.
Clenching/grinding. Teeth grinding is one of the main oral health issues that people are often unaware of. According to the American Sleep Association, about 10% of adults (and 15% of children) grind their teeth at night, and the side effects from doing so may be worse than you think. If you’ve ever noticed that you’re waking up in pain or with a headache, you may be clenching or grinding your teeth while you sleep. An estimated 80% of all morning headaches occur from muscle tension, which often results from dental stress and teeth grinding. A great dentist will notice the warning signs of teeth grinding and give you the proper treatment to reverse its effects.