Braces, Healthy Diet and Dental Care

Jan 31
09:04

2011

Andrea Avery

Andrea Avery

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Braces, a healthy diet and proper dental care will make all the difference in oral well-being. Here are some things to think about.

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Achieving excellent oral health will depend on a variety of components including wearing orthodontic braces, Braces, Healthy Diet and Dental Care Articles adhering to a healthy diet and receiving regular dental care. This is true for children, adolescents and adults. Many individuals ignore their dental needs, assuming that the teeth are not such a big deal for well-being.

If a person is on a strict budget, they may not think that they can afford to take care of their dentistry needs. Nothing could be further from the truth. Having adequate oral health care will not only allow an individual to keep their teeth throughout their lives, but also contribute to their entire body’s well-being. Here are some things to think about:

- Braces to straighten a crooked smile can be beneficial for many reasons. An orthodontist is a highly trained dental practitioner who is an expert at alignment. The old metallic silver contraptions referred to as “railroad tracks,” “tin grins,” and “metal mouths” are relics of the past, too. Nowadays, orthodontic braces may be clear, multi-colored or even removable. Some are so subtle that they are barely noticeable at all.

Having a straightened grin will improve a person’s self-esteem, keep the enamel surfaces from wearing against each other, curtail decay and gum disease and allow for proper jaw bone positioning. How a person feels about their appearance can have a profound effect on their success in life.

The current recommendation is for children as young as age seven to have an orthodontic checkup. Early intervention will reduce the time in braces, eliminate unnecessary tooth pulls and reduce overcrowding before it occurs. If an adult has a crooked or unsightly grin, it may be hampering his or her social and business success. Orthodontia can completely turn their lives around.

- A healthy diet is essential for good health, both oral and otherwise. Too many sugary snacks can create overweight bodies and rotten teeth. The saying that “you are what you eat” is so true. Having a menu template complete with lean proteins, fresh veggies and fruits, whole grains and lots of water will make a big difference in how a person looks and feels. Sodas and soft drinks are common culprits contributing to tooth decay and extra poundage. Staying away from junk food is a wise plan; brushing and flossing after every meal is smart, too.

- Dental care: Along with good oral hygiene practices, every individual should visit their dentist regularly. Every six months, an appointment should be made to look for cavities and signs of other maladies such as cancer of the lips and mouth. Heart disease, diabetes complications, and premature birth can all be prevented with appropriate dental care. A general DDS can make a referral to a reputable orthodontist if straightening the pearly whites is necessary.

If an individual wants to achieve optimum oral well-being for themselves or their children, they should look get braces if necessary, adhere to a healthy diet and get regular dental checkups. This will give them a reason to smile.