Good standing oral health takes more than just brushing and flossing - improving your toothbrushing technique, ditching sweets, and scheduling a regular checkup at Belvedere are just a few important ways to maintain good oral health.
- Schedule a visit at Belvedere. If you have been putting off your regular routine check-up to the dentist, you need to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. If you are neglecting your visit due to financial reasons, we have membership plans to help alleviate any stress around your dental needs. Scheduling a yearly visit can catch problems like decay, cavities, and gum disease at an early stage. You can call Belvedere at (704) 927-5499 or visit here to submit an appointment request.
- Cut The Sugar. Sugar is a major culprit to cavities and tooth decay. Our mouths are full of bacteria. Some bacteria is good and others not so much. The harmful bacteria feed on the sugar and can easily turn into a bacterial infection. The first step is being mindful of your sugar intake, that includes soda and energy drinks, it would be wise to consume water instead. When you do eat sugar, it is important to brush afterward.
- Improve Brushing Techniques. Don’t neglect brushing your teeth and gums twice a day. If you can brush after eating, please do it. Brushing removes plaque and bacteria from your teeth. When brushing remember to brush across your teeth using a small circular motion at a 45-degree angle to the gum line. Don’t forget to give your tongue a gentle brush. This helps freshen your breath and remove any bacteria build up. Also don't forget to replace your toothbrush every three months.
- Floss Your Teeth. We know that flossing can be a hassle and many people forget this important process. Try putting floss or flossing picks near your bedside or on your bathroom counter to remind yourself to floss. Flossing helps remove any food or plaque that burrows itself between your teeth. If food and plaque are not removed, they can harden into tartar.
- Eat A Balanced Diet. Diet plays an important role in one’s mental, oral and physical health. Eating a balanced diet and limiting processed foods is important for dental health. Always read the list of ingredients on the label when grocery shopping. Gravitate towards products with minimal, clean ingredients and shop the premier of the grocery store and load up on fresh products.
Visit one of our dentists here at Belvedere Family Dentistry located in Charlotte, North Carolina, to find out how we can help your oral hygiene. If you have any questions give us a call at 704-927-5499.
Spring has sprung, but unfortunately, so have seasonal allergies. A change in season means itchy eyes, sneezing, stuffy noses, and sinus headaches for those with allergies.
Below we have put together ways that seasonal allergies can affect your oral health, along with our top tips to help you reduce exposure and symptoms to allergens.
Dry Mouth - People who suffer from allergies often get stuffy noses and have to rely more heavily on mouth breathing. Having a dry mouth can be a major problem when it comes to your oral health. The dryer the mouth, the more prone you are to cavities, bad breath, and gingivitis. Saliva is a key component in the prevention of tooth decay.
Tooth Pain - If you are experiencing toothaches - mostly around your upper molars - this could be due to seasonal allergies. Sinus pressure builds up on the maxillary sinuses and pushes down on the roots of your upper molars, creating pain and discomfort.
Bad Breath - Post-nasal drip can result in bad breath and cause a sore throat and swollen tonsils. Post-nasal drip can become infected, which can cause a build-up of bacteria in your mouth. Swollen gums can make it difficult to brush effectively, also leading to bad breath.
Try these steps to help reduce your exposure and symptoms:
- Keep saliva flowing by drinking plenty of water and eating foods that require a lot of chewing, like apples, celery, and carrots.
- Swish with a warm salt-water rinse to relieve mucus buildup.
- See important allergy and weather information to help you plan ahead. Typically, pollen counts are highest between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. and again at dusk. Plan workouts and yard work at times of the day when pollen levels are low.
- Rinse your nasal passages with a saline solution to flush out mucus and allergens from your nose.
- As always, maintain good oral health by brushing and flossing as normal.
If you experience any pain or discomfort from seasonal allergies, please call our front desk at 704-927-5499 or submit a request for your desired appointment time and date through our easy online scheduler! Our team at Belvedere Family Dentistry is always here to help and to ensure your oral health remains in tip-top shape.
