Happy Holidays from Opt-In Dental Advantage

During 2016, the Opt-In Dental Advantage Network has grown significantly, making it easier than ever before to find a list of great dentists in your area and find a local dentist office that suits you. Here at Opt-In, we believe in connecting patients with dental care teams that know what it means to offer patient-oriented care. We want to thank all of our incredible members for their commitment to the Opt-In Code of Ethics, and for making the field of dentistry better through their attention to detail and their love for their patients.

We also want to wish all of our readers season’s greetings. During the holidays, we see an influx of people looking for qualified dentists, partly because this season isn’t always as kind to our smiles as it is to our spirits. We’re committed to helping you find a dentist who suits your family’s needs, and to preserving your beautiful smiles. Here are just a few dental health tips to keep you comfortable throughout the holidays.

Holiday Dental Health Tips

Focus on Your Dental Health

This time of year, you might find yourself eating more, which is why you should also increase your focus on your dental health. Brush your teeth twice a day and don’t forget to floss. Schedule preventive care appointments with a dentist in your area to have your teeth inspected and repaired. By paying attention to your oral health, you can keep your teeth comfortable and beautiful all season long.

Avoid Hard-to-Chew Foods

Skip those pistachios and avoid the temptation to chew the ice in your holiday punch: hard foods can cause all kinds of dental problems. From chipped teeth to damaged dental work, choosing foods that are hard to chew is like asking for dental damage.

Find A Dentist

You never know when a dental emergency will occur, which is why everyone should find the best dentist in their area. Look for a dental care professional who is dedicated to offering emergency care and providing a range of services, so that you can be prepared for anything.

Happy Holidays from the entire Opt-In Dental Advantage network! We wish you many smiles and an amazing new year.

What’s the Point of Preventive Care?

Did you know that 33% of Americans didn’t visit the dentist last year? And even more shocking, 25% of Americans don’t regularly brush and floss their teeth. If you fall into either of these categories, it’s time for a change that can save you time, money, and pain.

What is Preventive Care?

Preventive care is everything you do to keep tooth decay and gum disease from ever happening in the first place. Most issues such as cavities and periodontal disease can easily be avoided by even the most basic preventive care. Good preventive care includes brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day, as well as rinsing your mouth or brushing your teeth after every meal. It also includes regular dental checkups to spot the warning signs of dental disease, and treatments such as dental sealants and fluoride varnish meant to strengthen and protect healthy teeth.

How Does Preventive Care Save Me Time?

Taking a few minutes every day to take care of your teeth saves you hours of restorative care down the road. You won’t have to take time off of work or other activities to visit the dentist for a procedure that can last 2 or 3 hours, or even require multiple treatments. Also, if you regularly visit a dentist you trust, and tooth damage does happen unexpectedly, you’ll be able to quickly get an appointment with a dentist you trust rather than frantically Googling “find a dentist near me” and having to consult a dentist you don’t know for your emergency dental work.

How Is Preventive Care Less Painful?

Brushing and flossing your teeth daily should not cause pain. (If it does, try using a softer toothbrush and increasing the frequency of brushing and flossing.) However, if you allow plaque and tartar to build up on your teeth, the restorative care necessary to treat the cavity can be uncomfortable, not to mention the pain of a toothache beforehand.

How Does Preventive Care Save Me Money?

The cost of a toothbrush and toothpaste is minute in comparison to how much it costs to get a root canal or filling. Even routine checkups are less costly, and are more likely to be covered by insurance. It is in your best interest to brush your teeth twice a day and visit the dentist regularly to care for your teeth. If it’s been a while since your last appointment, find a dentist today!