Don’t put off your dental health any longer; celebrate Dental Hygiene Month with a trip to the dentist and a commitment to getting the whole family on track with good oral health habits.
What to Expect for Adults & Kids
Visits to the dentist are recommended twice a year. During these regular dental exams, the dentist and dental hygienist will talk to you about gum health and look for oral health problems you may be having. They will also perform an oral cancer screening, check your face, neck and mouth for abnormalities and clean your teeth. If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, the dental assistant will take diagnostic x-rays to give the dentist a better idea of what is happening in your mouth.
Regular check-ups with the dentist aren’t just a good idea for adults; children should visit the dentist often, too. Toddlers should see the dentist for the first time around their first birthday. An early visit with the dentist can help parents find out if their children are at risk for developing cavities. Techniques for proper brushing of developing teeth are taught and specialty care plans, like visits to pediatric dentists and orthodontists, can be discussed. The dentist can also answer questions about childhood habits like thumb sucking or the use of pacifiers and the long-term effect they can have on teeth.
Aside from regular exams, call your dentist if you or your children have other signs or symptoms of a problem, including red, tender or swollen gums, bleeding gums, loose teeth, changes in alignment, unusual sensitivity to heat or cold, or persistent bad breath. Just like with other health conditions, early detection is the key to protecting and saving teeth from permanent damage.
Keeping Your Mouth Healthy Year Round
In between trips to the dentist, good oral hygiene habits are important for keeping mouths healthy. Here are some surefire ways to keep the whole family’s dental hygiene in check:
• Brush teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush. Ask the dental hygienist for proper brushing techniques to help ensure that all plaque and food debris is removed.
• Replace toothbrushes every 3-4 months. Store them uncovered and in an upright position.
• Floss often and carefully, taking the time to gently clean between each tooth.
• Consider using an antimicrobial mouth rinse to control bacteria and bad breath germs.
• Don’t smoke or use smokeless tobacco.
• Eat smart and avoid sugary foods and drinks.
• Be sure to protect teeth with a mouth guard when playing team sports where mouth injuries could occur.
CompleteCare Health Network offers state-of-the-art dental services at their Medical & Dental Professionals location at 3700 New Jersey Avenue in Wildwood. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.CompleteCareNJ.org or call (609) 465-0258.
Dennisville – As a parent of a Tech student it would be great if the school would update their staff directory. So many old staff still listed and no new teachers listed. What gives?
