Your mouth does more than chew and talk. It tells dentists a lot about how well you're taking care of yourself, and gives them a peek at the health of your mouth for years to come.
The good news is that almost all oral diseases that affect children and adults can be prevented. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), cavities affect up to 60% of children by the age of 15 and tooth decay affects 95% of adults. Problems with oral health can lead to tooth loss and gum disease, but caring for your teeth and mouth lowers the risk of serious problems down the road.
Taking simple steps such as flossing at least once a day and brushing before bed and in the morning help mouths stay healthy and help prevent problems like cavities, receding gums and tooth decay.
In addition to the steps you take at home, making an appointment to see your dentist every six months is an important step to keeping your mouth healthy. Through periodic visits, you and your dentist can keep track of your growth and health, and stay on top of any problems that might come up.
Another simple step is as simple as taking a drink. The CDC says that drinking tap water with added fluoride will help keep tooth enamel strong.
It's true that most people don't like visiting the dentist, but if you follow the CDC's and your dentist's advice, your visit will most likely be much easier to bear. Not only will your mouth be healthier, but you and your dentist will have something to smile about together.
