Our health is a topic we sometimes overlook. It sometimes just slips our mind completely that it’s necessary to take care of our bodies. We often postpone or cancel our doctor’s appointments because life just gets in the way. But with the fast pace of life we simply need to take it more seriously. The chaotic lifestyle is the symbol of the US and you get a feeling that everyone is in a hurry. All the time. The people there also deal with various health issues such as diabetes and obesity and all due to an unhealthy lifestyle.
But apart from our overall physical health, there’s something else we often forget. And that’s our oral health. This is something we all probably leave for the last moment until the pain is no longer bearable. Some fear going to the dentist, others probably don’t have the right kind of insurance for it. It is a big concern for many people in America.
In the next lines, we’ll talk a bit about the importance of dental care and help you make the first steps towards better oral health.
The dental concern in the US
Oral health is a big issue in the US. Many people neglect its importance. And the consequences can be quite negative. It can affect people’s ability to speak, eat and smile. And all of that leaves a negative effect on self-confidence, also affecting mental health. In the past 20 years, oral health has not improved at all in the US.
Tooth decay is still an important issue. More than 90% of people between 20 and 64 are victims to the issue. Also, if you think about the fact how many people consume tobacco, drink coffee and eat too many sweets, it only makes the issue even worse.
This just goes to show that we all need to understand the problem and do something about it.
It’s also important to educate younger generations and children to adopt proper dental habits.
How to practice good dental care
There are so many things you can do without going to the dentist. That’s the foundation of a good routine. But, you also need to remember that it’s important to visit the dentist as well. At least once in six months.
Find a good local dentist
The first and most important step is to find a dentist you trust. And someone that’s highly rated by customers. It’s usually easier to ask around and get some recommendations. But it’s essentially an individual choice. So, first try to check the top rated dentists for your location. There are some areas in the US that are famous for good dental clinics.
For instance, Boston has some of the very best clinics and dental schools in the country. Also, you can find many highly rated clinics in Anchorage. If you have a specific dental issue that needs special attention, you can find a dental team in Anchorage to help address it. If your issue requires high-technology equipment, then California might be a good choice as well.
Establish a healthy routine
As said, a good routine is a big part of good dental health. The first and most important thing is to brush daily and regularly. That means at least 3 times per day. The toothpaste you choose is also important. It should be a fluoride paste. This will help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Brushing teeth is not enough, you also need to floss regularly. And do it the right way. It’s best to consult your dentist on how to do it.
Say goodbye to your bad habits
Another thing you can do is change your eating and drinking habits if you think they’re also causing your dental problems. If you drink a lot of coffee or tea, these will eventually make your teeth yellow. You need to cut down on these and try to drink as much water as possible. Also, limit the amount of sweets. These are very bad for your oral health.
Of course, it’s impossible to completely give up on sweets and other foods. But, even if you just reduce your intake a bit, it will be a big change. And you’ll definitely notice it. You’ll also help your kids adopt good habits by leading by example.
The final word
As you can see, good dental care doesn’t take a lot of effort. You just need to change your lifestyle a bit and find time to schedule a dentist’s appointment from time to time. When you find a good dentist, it gets much easier. Find a reputable dentist that can help you maintain a good routine. You can also ask them anything you want to know about good dental care.
Finally, remember to cut all the bad habits to a minimum and set a good example for your family. That way, you’ll be on a good path to optimal dental health and won’t have to worry about any issues escalating.