Dental care best practices during National Dental Care Month
In honor of May being National Dental Care Month, DentalPlans.com, a leading online marketplace for dental savings plans in the U.S. and part of the Henry Schein One portfolio of solutions, is providing Americans with tips to help maximize the benefits of important dental hygiene routines, and understand their importance.Here are some of the most important dental hygiene routines, and why they matter:
Brushing – Brushing is critical for oral health. Using a toothbrush to remove food debris and dental plaque – a sticky, colorless biofilm that is constantly forming on teeth – at least twice a day can help ensure you have a strong foundation for your oral health.
Flossing – Flossing helps remove harmful plaque bacteria, which can cause tooth decay (cavities) or gum disease, from areas where your toothbrush can’t reach. If you don’t like to floss, talk to your dentist or dental hygienist about products such as powered air or water flossers, or small interdental brushes designed to clean between teeth.
Rinsing – Simply rinsing your mouth with water after consuming sugary or acidic food or drinks can help limit dental damage. Your dentist may also suggest using therapeutic rinses to manage oral health issues such as dry mouth or infections.
Not Ignoring Bad Breath – Oral health can offer a glimpse into your overall health. While unpleasant breath can be a sign of an oral infection, it can also be an indicator that you may have a medical condition such as diabetes, kidney failure, asthma, cystic fibrosis, lung cancer or liver disease.
Being Mindful of Cavities – Knowing the signs of cavities (the most common chronic disease in both children and adults) can help small problems from becoming bigger ones. Discoloration, stains or spots on a tooth can indicate a cavity is starting to form. Other signs include pain (especially when biting down) and increased sensitivity to temperature changes. See your dentist right away if you notice any of these indicators, as early treatment can help avoid the need for a root canal, crown, overlay or tooth restoration.
Getting Regular Checkups – Going to the dentist regularly for preventive care is critical to maintaining your overall health, as tooth decay and gum disease continue to be associated with many serious medical conditions. Your dentist can advise you on how often you should receive check-ups and cleanings based on your current dental health.
“At DentalPlans.com, we know that access to quality, affordable dental care is the first step in helping people lead happier, healthier lives,” says Jenn Stoll, Chief Commercial Officer of DentalPlans.com. “Our mission is to remove the cost barrier that so many face, so they can not only keep up with critical dental hygiene routines at home, but see the dentist regularly too – a critical component to maintaining your oral, and overall health.”
DentalPlans.com offers dental savings plans – an affordable alternative to dental insurance – which offers plan members 10-60% off most procedures at any participating dentist nationwide. Reach out to DentalPlans.com at 844-779-1021 to learn more about how dental savings plans can make your dental care more affordable.
