Seeing a dentist in San Antonio every six months is important for maintaining your dental health. In saying this, we’re not trying to downplay the importance of self-care steps such as regular brushing and flossing and watching what you eat. To the contrary, those play an essential role in protecting your teeth and gums. But only a professional can provide thorough cleanings and spot oral health problems before they become too serious.
Your Mouth Is a War Zone
When you stop to think about it, it becomes pretty obvious that your body is a wonder of nature. Take your immune system for example. Right now, as you’re reading these words your bloodstream is filled with billions of microscopic soldiers with only one purpose: to protect you from invading organisms.
Many of those soldiers (scientists call them “antibodies”) are also in your saliva, patrolling your mouth and doing battle with harmful bacteria. But your body alone can only do so much. Decay-causing germs can get the upper hand and spread damage throughout your teeth and gums whenever you do any of the following:
- Neglect regular brushing and flossing. Both are essential to minimizing your risk from infectious bacteria.
- Overindulge in sweets and starches. You see, the germs that want to do you harm are like tiny biological engines. They run on sugar and starch, just as your automobile runs on gasoline. When you eat too many of these foods, you’re basically filling up their fuel tanks.
- Fail to eat plenty of good, nutritious foods such as raw fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and healthy calcium sources such as reduced-fat milk and cheese.
- Use tobacco products or illicit drugs. Cigarettes and other addictive products harm your teeth and gums in two ways. One, they curtail the production of germ-fighting saliva. Two, they erode the layer of protective enamel surrounding your teeth and irritate the tissues in your gums.
- Drink too much alcohol or other acidic beverages. Not only can these products stain your teeth, they can also contribute to tooth decay and gum disease if consumed in excess.
You can help to tilt the odds in your favor by following the basic self-care steps mentioned above. But the only way to truly remove built-up tartar and plaque is to see your family dentist in San Antonio for routine cleanings. While you’re there, you should also ask the doctor to give you a complete checkup, just in case you’re at risk of cavities or other oral health issues.
Worried About Cost? There’s Help Available
Maybe you’re putting off dental care because you’re worried about costs. This is understandable. Fortunately, residents of San Antonio and Bexar County have many helpful resources at their fingertips, including low-cost clinics, insurance programs, and private financing options. Contact your local dental clinic for more information about these opportunities.
Taking care of your teeth and gums is one of the smartest investments you can make. The costs in terms of time and money will more than pay for themselves with improved health and peace of mind. So make an appointment with a local dentist today for better, brighter smiles tomorrow.
About the Author
Dr. Racha W. Kadamani earned her DDS degree from Loma Linda University. She’s a proud member of the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. You can reach her office online or by calling (210) 782-6842.
