9 dental care tips for your whole family

Taking care of your family’s oral health not only improves chewing function and nutrient absorption but also protects against gum disease and toothaches. A recent study reveals that gum disease increases your risk of many diseases, including cardiovascular disease.

Why should you visit your dentist regularly?

Apart from tartar removal, a dental exam will help you identify:

• Early signs of oral cancer: 9 out of 10 cases of oral cancer can be treated if being diagnosed early. Without a timely diagnosis, oral cancer will spread and treatment will become more challenging.
• Worn-out teeth due to sleep bruxism: This is a disorder caused by stress or anxiety. Over time, your teeth will lose their chewing surface, increasing your risk of cavities.
• Diseases of the gums: Diseases of the gum, including periodontitis and gum inflammation, are the leading causes of missing teeth in elderly people. Unfortunately, when periodontitis is diagnosed, it’s often too late for treatment to work.
• Medication interaction: Elder people, especially those with many health conditions, are at an increased risk of dry mouth. Reduced saliva production may put you at risk of cavities and gum disease. Over 800 drugs can cause dry mouth. Therefore, it’s recommended to inform your dentist of your current prescription so adjustments can be made or you can use a mouthwash that works similarly to saliva.

In addition to periodical dental checkups, you may take care of your family’s oral health with the following 9 simple dental care tips:

You can absolutely protect your family from common oral diseases with these simple tips. Make the changes now to take care of your family’s oral health!