YOUR ORAL HEALTH AFFECTS MORE THAN YOUR TEETH

Taking care of your teeth is one of the most important steps in protecting your overall health. Studies have shown there is a link between gum disease and heart disease among other serious illnesses. Our doctors and hygienists at Weaver, Reckner & Reinhart Dental Associates recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a soft manual or electric toothbrush. And, don’t forget to floss! Regular flossing helps to remove debris between your teeth and in those hard-to-reach areas. 

Maintaining a proper diet is also key to a healthy mouth.  The foods you choose and how often you eat can affect your general health, as well as your teeth and gums. Severe gum disease can lead to tooth loss in many adults. 

What do healthy gums look like? Healthy gums should be firm and light pink in color. If you notice swollen or red gums, bleeding while you are brushing your teeth, bad breath or loose teeth, these could be signs of severe gum disease. 

You may want to try substituting your sweet foods with milk or yogurt. Green vegetables such as spinach and broccoli are also high in calcium and can strengthen tooth enamel. Avoiding sugary food and acidic drinks will keep your tooth enamel strong and may even help to prevent future cavities. 

We know it can be difficult to put down that soda in favor of a healthier alternative, but water is truly the best beverage choice. Drinking soda or sports drinks may quench your thirst but they will leave sugar and bacteria behind on your teeth. This graphic shows the average amount of sugar in common everyday drinks. So, be sure to “Think Before You Drink!” 

Obviously, regular visits to your dental office are very important in maintaining your oral health. It is recommended that you visit our dentist office in Souderton or Harleyville, PA twice a year; more if recommended by your hygienist. The recent mandated closings and inability to see our patients on a regular basis may continue to cause delays as we work to catch up on many missed appointments. We encourage you to continue with your homecare and follow the recommendations listed above. We look forward to being able to see you again and appreciate your patience with us during this time.

At Weaver, Reckner & Reinhart Dental Associates, home to the best cosmetic dentists in Montgomery County, we are committed to helping our patients achieve a healthy mouth and lifestyle. You can learn more about our offices and our services, including orthodontics, dental implants and cosmetic dentistry, by browsing our website. If you are having a true dental emergency, you can contact one of our offices at 215-486-1649 or 215-486-1652.