42 THE QUEENS COURIER • HEALTH • FEBRUARY 5, 2015 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com health BRUSHING & BEYOND While regular visits to the dentist’s offi ce for routine cleanings are important for dental health, taking care of your teeth and gums each day is paramount to keeping your mouth healthy. Here are some brushing-and-beyond tips to help prevent oral health problems down the road. Preventative care is imperative. Basic hygiene practices can help maintain the health of your mouth. Remember to: Regularly brush with toothpaste, fl oss and visit your dentist. Brush at least twice a day. Purchase a brush with soft bristles and make sure to use light pressure while brushing so you don’t wear away tooth enamel. A great option is a battery powered toothbrush. Pay attention to your toothbrush. Does it need to be replaced? A good rule is to purchase a new toothbrush every three to four months. Speak with your dentist about best brushing and fl ossing practices, as well as the recommended number of visits to the dentist’s offi ce each year. The number of necessary visits may vary depending on specifi c patient needs. Preventing enamel loss. Consuming too many acidic foods or soft drinks, and a long list of other factors, can weaken enamel. Enamel loss can lead to cavities, tooth sensitivity, discoloration and other oral health problems. To help maintain your tooth enamel, try to avoid drinks such as soda and fruit juices, and foods such as those high in citric acid or sugar content whenever possible. When to call the dentist. Between dental visits, patients may experience symptoms of oral health problems. Make sure you call a doctor if you notice: • Tooth pain • Tooth decay or cavities • Receding gum lines • Bleeding of the gums • Increased tooth sensitivity • Discoloration of teeth • Lumps on the lip or in the mouth or throat To learn more about how to protect your teeth, visit www.myoralcare.com. Courtesy of Family Features WINNER 3 YEARS IN A ROW I WILL BETTER HEAR THIS YEAR You deserve a post-holiday present to yourself. Call today for a complimentary hearing consultation and free clean & check of current hearing technology. PLLC Gloria Boms, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology 516.708.4844 107 Northern Blvd, Ste 309 Great Neck $500 Apple® gift card with the purchase of an AGX® level 9 hearing system Expires 2/28/15. gbaudiology.com
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