Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Go to your dentist every 6 months on average, even if you do not have any problems. Establish a self-care program with the assistance and guidance of your dentist.
Take Care of Your Teeth
Check your own mouth regularly outside of physician visits. In this way, you can notice some problems related to your oral and dental health (such as minor tooth breakage, gingival swelling, discoloration, oral wounds), get treatment much earlier, and speed up the process in a positive way.
Protection and Prevention is Personal
Although there are general rules and scientific facts about oral and dental health, specific needs and personal precautions may come up. As a result, people’s bodies may react differently on certain issues. In addition to issues that differ from person to person, there may be periodic changes in the person’s body depending on the variables. For example, the precautions you should take during a normal period and the precautions you should take while pregnant are different. A medication you use for any of your problems may trigger a disorder related to your oral and dental health. Do not act on the common advice of people other than your physician. Therefore, during regular visits to the dentist, tell your dentist about your general health status, the treatment you have received, and the medications you take.
Regular Brushing and Flossing
Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day in order to prevent plaque formation and gingival diseases. Only in this way can you remove the plaque that feeds the bacteria that accumulate on and between the teeth. The teeth are exposed to acid attack for 20 minutes upon eating sugary or acid-forming foods. For this reason, you should brush your teeth after snacks, and if you cannot brush, you should rinse your mouth with plenty of water. If these are not possible, chewing sugar-free gum may also work to some extent.
Smoking is the Number One Enemy of Oral and Dental Health
Smoking, which seriously increases the risk of lung and oral cancer, invites gingival diseases, creates stains on the teeth and negatively affects your social life due to bad breath. You should not smoke for your own health, and you should immediately seek expert help to quit.
Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
Although a balanced diet is important, it may be necessary to take supplements under some conditions and in some periods. For example, fluoride is an important mineral for the development of children’s teeth and the strengthening of teeth against caries. Fluoride can prevent cavities and provide a desensitizing effect not only in children but also in adults. You can apply fluoride-containing preparations in consultation with your dentist. Physician approval is required for external supplemental vitamin and mineral intake. You should always consult your dentist for supplements related to your oral and dental health, and if you have a chronic illness or other ongoing treatments, you should take these supplements upon the approval and permission of your physician.
