Health Tip: Help Improve Your Dental Health
Regular brushing, flossing and checkups are important for good dental health, but there's more you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
The American Dental Association offers these suggestions to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease:
- Stick to a healthy diet with a limited number of snacks. Make low-sugar, nutritious food choices.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Give your teeth a thorough brushing at least twice each day using a fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss each day to get rid of plaque, and stick to a regular schedule of dental cleanings and checkups.
- Record a food diary for a week to track what you eat. Note every piece of candy, gum or drink that contains sugar, and evaluate whether you're getting too much.
Health Tip: If You Fear Going to the Dentist
Regular dental checkups and cleanings are key to having healthy teeth and gums. But the sights, sounds and potential pain of the dentist's office are enough to keep many people away.
The American Dental Association offers these suggestions for making a dental appointment less frightening:
- Talk to your dentist about your fears. The dentist and the staff should do what they can to make the experience easier.
- Schedule your appointment during a time that's not busy. Opt for an appointment early in the morning or sometime on a Saturday.
- Bring a portable music device with you. Focus on the soothing tunes, instead of the sounds of the dental instruments.
- Close your eyes and visualize a relaxing scene -- to take your mind off what's happening in the dentist's chair.
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