Young adults often have the reputation of not taking good care of themselves. You may feel invincible, and not realize how much your behaviors now can affect your health later in life. Oral health is one area that is easy to neglect now, but that can lead to serious financial and quality of life consequences later.
Follow a Good Oral Care Regimen
If you don’t already do so, it’s time to brush, floss, and rinse as Dr. Bill Whitley taught you. Brush at least twice a day or after meals, and floss your teeth every day. If recommended, use mouthwash to kill germs in your mouth. If you are not able to brush your teeth after eating, swish water around in your mouth to remove the food from your teeth. Leaving carbohydrates in your mouth allows bacteria to ferment it and produce acid, which can destroy your tooth enamel and put you at risk for decay.
Visit Our Office Regularly
Young adulthood can be a challenging time when it comes to medical care. Your parents are no longer paying for your health insurance or taking you to your appointments. You may not worry much about getting regular cleanings and exams, especially if you’re paying for them yourself.
However, young adults have a lot to gain from visiting our Dallas office regularly. We can check for signs of problems and fix them early, which can save thousands of dollars and, ultimately, your teeth. These are some examples of what Dr. Bill Whitley and our hygiene team can do for you.
- Get rid of plaque so it does not develop into tartar and cause periodontitis.
- Identify and fill small areas of tooth decay to prevent it from progressing.
- Examine your gums for signs of gingivitis, or early gum disease.
Consume a Tooth-Healthy Diet
A nutritious diet is not just for preventing heart disease and diabetes later in life. It also supports your teeth. Make sure to get plenty of calcium, such as from dairy products, canned fish, and leafy green vegetables to allow for strong teeth. Also, limit sticky foods and sugary sweets.