What could be be stronger asset to personal health and image than a healthy, attractive smile? The American Academy of Periodontology maintains that a big, bright smile attracts not only admiration, but good interpersonal relationships, too.
A better smile has to be a healthy smile
However, no matter how big or spontaneous the smile, healthy teeth and gums are essential for oral and systemic health, too. Skilled and compassionate Mt. Pleasant dentists, including Virginia L. Gregory DMD, teach their patients several simple steps to having a better–and healthier–smile for a life time. These easy strategies help individuals maintain hard enamel, viable gum tissue and strong jaw bone.
Brush for 2 minutes twice a day with a quality, ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste. Using a soft-bristled brush, use short, side-to-side strokes along the top and bottom arches of the teeth. Pay strict attention to the back molars. Employ straight up and down strokes for the back sides of the front teeth. The American Dental Association says most people spend too little time brushing; so take your time.
Floss daily. Waxed floss seems most effective and is gentlest on gum tissue. Flossing removes plaque and food residue from between teeth and is important in the battle against tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath. Interdental brushes, resembling tiny baby bottle brushes, accomplish the same purpose and are most helpful for people with braces, crowns, periodontal splints and other restorations.
Eat a healthy diet. Of course, limit sugary snacks and beverages, but also, be proactive in what you eat. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy and lean meats are not only good for your weight, but they strengthen tooth enamel and help keep it clean, too. Drink plenty of water to promote saliva production and keep oral tissues well hydrated.
Visit your dentist in the 29464 area regularly. Dr. Gregory likes to see her patients every 6 months for exams and cleanings. During an examination, Dr. Gregory looks for dental decay, does periodontal probing, screens for oral cancer, inspects the condition of existing restorations such as fillings and crowns and also checks on how teeth bite together and on how the jaw joint works. Cleanings remove plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces and below the gum line, and tooth polishing puts a smooth and sparkling finish on every smile. X-rays and other imaging is done as needed.
Avoid tobacco. We all know how bad smoking and chewing tobacco is for your overall health. Smoking-related illnesses include COPD, cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, heart attack and more. Tobacco is also linked to gum disease, dental decay and cancer. Dr. Gregory is happy to partner with her patients in finding ways to quit smoking for good.
Your Mt. Pleasant dentist values patient education
Would you like to know more about how to take better care of your smile? Contact the friendly staff of Virginia L Gregory DMD LLC in the 29464 area to set an appointment to address your dental needs and concerns.