Oral health is a vital part of overall well-being. Regular dental cleanings and oral exams can prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

We characterized the burden of self-reported dental problems among Central Harlem adults and assessed their relationship to recent dental care. We also explored differences in self-perceived oral health by sex, age and education.

Brush Daily

Brushing daily is an important part of maintaining good oral health. It can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath. It also helps to remove food particles and plaque from the teeth. If you’re having difficulty keeping up with your dental hygiene routine, try to cut out sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages, as these can contribute to stains on your teeth and poor oral health. Depression is also a common cause of poor oral hygiene Manhattan NY, so be sure to seek medical treatment if you think you’re depressed.

Floss Daily

Many people don’t think to floss as often as they should, which is a shame because it can help them avoid gum disease, bad breath and tooth loss. Flossing should be done daily to remove leftover food particles and plaque from between teeth and under the gum line, which can’t be reached by a toothbrush.

Choose a good quality dental floss. It should be round in shape to better fit the spaces between teeth, and it should have a wax coating that makes it easier to slide in and out of between the teeth. Use a flossing guide to see how to properly use the floss, as improper flossing can cause sore and bleeding gums.

If you have a hard time remembering to floss every day, try keeping it right next to your toothbrush for easy access and a visual reminder. When you do floss, take your time so you don’t miss any teeth or gums.

Visit the Dentist Regularly

Dental hygienists are the first line of defense against oral health problems that can lead to serious consequences for your overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with bad breath (halitosis), a crooked tooth or grinding and clenching your teeth at night, our hygienists are the best at finding and addressing these issues early before they can become more severe.

Dental appointments also provide opportunities to educate patients on better brushing and flossing techniques, eating a healthy diet and how to avoid gum disease or other potential issues. This information can help patients improve their lifestyle choices, and save them from more extensive restorative and periodontal treatments down the road.

Time and again, it’s been proven that people who visit the dentist regularly have better overall health outcomes than those who don’t. So, even if your teeth and mouth feel fine, it’s important to visit the dentist for routine cleanings and exams. This will help prevent serious problems from developing and can keep your smile looking great!

Eat Healthy

Healthy eating habits can help prevent cavities, gum disease and other oral health problems. Limiting snacks throughout the day and choosing nutritious meals can help you maintain a healthy mouth. Drinking tap water that contains fluoride (PDF) can also help prevent tooth decay. Lastly, avoiding tobacco products can reduce your risk for mouth and throat cancer. Maintaining good oral hygiene Manhattan NY is especially important for diabetics, who have an increased risk of oral infections and periodontal disease due to uncontrolled blood sugar levels.