Your smile is valuable to your personal appearance, oral function and overall health, too. How can you keep it strong, bright and long-lasting? Consistent at-home and in-office oral hygiene is key to dental well-being, says Dr. Francesco Maratta at New Haven Prosthodontics. Here's what he recommends to all his patients.
Brushing, flossing, and eating
They're your responsibilities. The American Dental Association (ADA) says you should brush twice a day for a full two minutes and floss daily, too, to remove harmful deposits of plaque before they harden into tartar. The ADA also advises a high-fiber, low-sugar diet to reduce the incidence of tooth decay and gum disease. Water is an essential part of that healthy way of eating.
Seeing your hygienist and dentist every six months
The ADA advises that, too. At New Haven Prosthodontics, our hygienist, Priscilla, loves giving her patients a thorough cleaning and tooth polishing. She checks dental bite, measures and charts gum pockets, and takes X-rays as needed. Your hygienist's work allows Dr. Maratta to complete his professional examination which checks for:
Avoiding tobacco
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that if you smoke or use smokeless tobacco on a regular basis, you double your chances for developing gum disease. Cigarettes also increase tooth decay and the occurrence of pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions in the mouth, back of the throat, and lips, says the Oral Cancer Foundation. So, if you need to quit, see your primary care physician for a supervised cessation program.
Wearing mouth guards
Some people habitually grind their teeth due to poor bite or jaw joint dysfunction. Additionally, all athletes--amateur or professional--should wear a mouth guard to protect their teeth and jaws. Ask Dr. Maratta what device is right for you.
Learn all you can
Dr. Maratta and the entire team at New Haven Prosthodontics work together to craft care plans which cater to their patients' individual health needs. You can have a great smile for life! Please contact the office today to schedule your routine cleaning and check-up. Or, feel free to call us any time you have a question or concern about your oral health. Phone (203) 773-1701.