Health

Dental Health Experts Enlist 3 Daily Habits to Maintain Oral Health

Published

4 years ago

April 30, 2020

Many unnamed dental health experts have enlisted the three daily habits that one must incorporate in one’s daily routine to maintain his or her oral health. According to them, it is vital for everyone to keep their teeth healthy in order to smile freely, confidently and to contribute to their overall health. In addition to this, they have suggested that good dental health plays an important role in maintaining a sound personality.

Brush Twice a Day

According to them, everyone must brush their teeth twice a day to maintain a clean breath, avoid halitosis and the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth. They have advised brushing after waking up in the morning and before sleeping at night. While mentioning this point, they suggested brushing in a proper manner, which includes gentle scrubbing of the tooth enamel. Avoid harsh and strong strides of brushing which can wear and tear on the gum-line.

Floss the Teeth Daily

Dental experts have added that patients must floss his or her teeth daily in order to remove plaque from the places not easily accessible with a toothbrush. In order to address the deposit of plaque, it is crucial to floss the teeth daily and prevent the plaque from evolving into tartar. Part of this involves reaching deep between the tooth and the area below the gumline where small food particles can hide. In case it has already created a buildup of plaque, patients must visit their dental professional to get a proper teeth cleaning.

Don’t Consume Tobacco in any Form

The next negative oral habit suggested by dental experts is to avoid consuming tobacco in any form. One should avoid smoking when possible as it leads to the development of gum disease, gingivitis and even periodontal disease, and it may even lead to oral cancer. Apart from this, it may lead to tooth decay and the removal of the tooth where the cavity has already taken a severe course of action. When they were asked about cannabis consumption, they advised putting a limit on it, as cannabis can hurt your dental health.

Other than suggesting the above mentioned daily habits, dental experts expressed that people must make it a habit to use a Flouride toothpaste to clean the teeth effectively. And they must visit a dentist regularly for a proper dental checkup. The standard recommendation is visiting your dentist twice per year for a regular checkup.

Health

9 Simple Steps to Dealing with a Broken Tooth

Published

2 months ago

February 14, 2024

Michelle Langton

Credit: freepik via Freepik

It’s movie night, and you have an obligatory bowlful of popcorn balancing on your lap. You toss a handful of popcorn and — crack — you unknowingly bite down on a kernel with the full power of your jaw.

Lightning strikes your mouth as you realize this humble kernel broke your tooth.

Now what?

Besides pausing the movie and spitting out your mouthful of popcorn and tooth, you might not know your next steps.

What should you do, and how can you pay for it? Find the answers to these questions and more below:

1. Save the Pieces

If possible, save any broken pieces of the tooth. Your dentist might need these pieces.

2. Rinse Your Mouth

Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. Avoid using hot or cold water, as it might aggravate any exposed nerves.

3. Control Bleeding

If you bleed, apply gentle pressure to the area with a clean cloth or gauze. You can also use a cold compress on your jaw or cheek to reduce swelling.

4. Contact Your Dentist

Reach out to your dentist immediately. Explain the situation and try to schedule an emergency appointment. Many dentists reserve slots for urgent cases. If they don’t have a spot available, look at specialty emergency clinics in your area.

5. Get Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

Broken and chipped teeth can hurt, so take some over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage this pain until you can see your dentist.

6. Check Insurance Coverage

Review your dental insurance policy to understand coverage details. Some policies may cover emergency procedures, while others may have limitations.

7. Discuss Payment Options

If cost is a concern, discuss financing options with your dentist. Some dental offices offer flexible arrangements that give you a break. If you qualify for these plans, you might be able to push out your due date to coincide with your payday. You may even be able to break up your total outstanding amount over several payments.

8. Take out a Personal Loan

If you’re just shy of what you need to cover your emergency dental expense, consider going online to scope out personal loans. A personal loan may fill in for savings in urgent situations. You can quickly visit a website like MoneyKey to see what you need to apply. If approved, a personal loan gives you the means to pay for your visit upfront and pay off what you owe over time.

9. Consider Urgent Care Clinics

If your financial situation is such that you can’t afford a personal loan’s payments, reconsider your choice of dentist. Some dental practices apply a sliding scale to their services so that they can provide immediate care at a lower cost for at-risk individuals.

Next Steps: Thinking About the Future

So, you’ve managed to repair your tooth and pay the bill, too. What’s next? Make sure you hit these three goals soon. They can help you prevent another broken tooth in the future!

Stay on Top of Dental Hygiene: Brush at least twice a day and floss once a day — these simple habits can protect your teeth over time.
Schedule Regular Checkups: Keeping up with regular cleanings can also help you prevent future dental emergencies.
Build an Emergency Fund: Sometimes, accidents happen. Consider building an emergency fund specifically for unexpected dental emergencies.