Your dentist in Delray Beach, Dr. George Sanchez is dedicated to healthy beautiful smiles and understands how important oral health is to overall health.

According to research, there is a direct connection between oral and overall health. In fact, people with heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease have more gum disease than people who don’t. That’s why oral hygiene is vital to teeth, gums, and the rest of your body.

Dental Checkups and Good Oral Hygiene Habits

Brushing Your Teeth

Dr. George Sanchez explains that good oral hygiene starts with education. You may have been brushing for years, but are you sure you are doing it the right way.

As a reminder, brush for two minutes twice a day. If you have problems keeping track, set a timer or play your favorite song. Do not forget to replace your toothbrush every three months or when the brush starts to fray. Also, don’t forget to brush your tongue as well.

Asking for help when it comes to oral hygiene during dental checkups is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, Dr. George and his team are always happy to give you a brush up, yes pun intended, when it comes to brushing, and the same goes for flossing during dental checkups.

Flossing is an Art Form

Most people are not flossing the right way. Your Delray Beach dentist says to use about 18 to 22 inches of floss. Wind the floss around your middle fingers, floss around each tooth with your index finger, and thumb.

Be careful not to scratch your gums when curving the floss around each tooth in a C shape. Flossing too aggressively could bruise or harm your gums. If your gums bleed when you floss, call Dr. George immediately as it could be a sign of gingivitis or the more serious periodontal disease.

Floss teeth at least once each day or more so if you have something stuck in between your teeth.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Most people forget that a healthy diet is just as important for your mouth as it is for the rest of your body. Eat a balanced diet that includes lots of fruits and veggies. Keep sugar to a minimum and drink lots of water.

Regular Dental Checkups in Delray Beach

One of the most important parts of good oral hygiene is regular dental checkups with your Delray Beach dentist.

Dr. George and his team often see signs of something more sinister during dental checkups. In fact, dentists are usually the first to spot something unusual when it comes to the early stages of oral cancer.

If you haven’t seen your Delray Beach dentist for some time, call and schedule an appointment with Dr. George Sanchez today.

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Unfortunately, this makes small problems worse and big problems even more difficult to deal with. According to Dr. George Sanchez, regular dental checkups keep you happier and healthier.

Below are a few more reasons to schedule regular dental checkups in Delray Beach.

1. Routine Dental Checkup Screening for Oral Health

A serious disease, oral cancer is four times likely to be cured when discovered early on. Cancer becomes life threatening when it remains undetected. Your Delray Beach dentist has the tools and the experience to check for oral cancer often detecting it when it is still treatable.

During your regular dental checkups, Dr. Sanchez will check your tongue, cheeks, the roof of your mouth and your entire oral cavity looking for anything suspicious.

2. Plaque and Tartar

Everyone gets plaque, which is the sticky film that stays on your teeth until you brush it off. If you brush twice and floss once each day, you will still miss some areas on your teeth, especially if you have broken and chipped restorations or missing and crooked teeth. If plaque isn’t removed, it will develop into tartar, which can only be removed by a professional.

3. Cavities are the Next Step with Dental Checkups

Without daily oral hygiene and regular professional cleanings bacteria, plaque, and tartar will turn into cavities. Called dental caries they are easily filled when treated early on. If left untreated, cavities will get worse requiring more invasive treatments such as root canal therapy.

4. Gum Disease from Slack Oral Hygiene Habits

Gum disease is responsible for tooth loss in adults. In fact, it’s the number one reason.

Research also indicates a link between oral and overall health. Plaque and tartar buildup erode your gum tissue leaving pockets between your teeth and gums.

This is dangerous as those particles get into your blood stream eventually leading to your heart. Studies show a higher percentage of gum disease in people suffering from heart disease.

5. Say No to Bad Habits for Healthy Teeth

While most people know the teeth and gums dangers of tobacco, most didn’t know that occasional jaw grinding and clenching could also cause serious problems. Called bruxism, it could lead to problems with the TMJ joint as well. If you clench and grind your teeth talk, to your dentist about oral appliance therapy in Delray Beach.

6. A Dental Checkup Before the Problem Gets Worse

If you don’t schedule regular dental appointments, any problems with restorations or your natural teeth will go unnoticed. It’s impossible for you to check under fillings for cavities much less find new decay.

Because your Delray Beach dentist also updates files with x-rays and charts during dental checkups, he and the team will always be up to date on your oral and overall health.

Seeing the dentist is important. Call and schedule a dental checkup with Dr. George today.

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