retired teachers blog IRTA blog Indiana Retired Teachers Association blog Image

The Critical Step Many of Us Neglect in Our Dental Routine

October 27, 2022

Parents tell their kids to brush and floss their teeth regularly, but are they following their own advice?

New data compiled by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that plenty of adults don’t brush or floss often enough. Dentists found that 91% of Americans between ages 20 and 64 have cavities and 27% have untreated tooth decay.

Cavities and tooth decay are important oral health indicators. Neglecting your oral health can lead to serious complications, including tooth loss. While two-thirds of adults younger than 40 had all their teeth, only about a third of those between 40 and 64 did.

Brushing and flossing are critical to maintaining proper oral hygiene. The American Dental Association recommends that people should brush 2x per day for two minutes each time. Flossing should be done at least once a day for 2 to 3 minutes.

The critical step most of us tend to neglect in our oral hygiene routine is flossing. Many people think, “If I’ve brushed and I can’t see it, then I’ve done my job and it’s clean.” In reality, plaque builds up in between teeth and underneath the gum line, where it can do damage.

There are also a few dietary steps people can take to protect their teeth. Avoid sipping on sugary drinks over the course of the day, and if you can’t get to a sink with a toothbrush after eating or drinking, rinse your mouth out with water or chew sugarless gum to help wash away enamel-eroding acid.

Your home healthcare routine is essnential, but equally important is regular checkups with your dentist. Fortunately, IRTA and AMBA have a Dental Plan that’s right for you. Get coverage for everything from routine checkups to fillings, procedures, and more. You can see any dentist you choose with even bigger savings with an In-Network provider. Enroll today at www.AMBAdentalvision.com or call 866-979-0497.

Share:
RECENT POSTS
Looking to Capture Special Moments? Then Capture Great Deals on Cameras and Gear with AMBA Discounts
Looking to Capture Special Moments? Then Capture Great Deals on Cameras and Gear with AMBA Discounts

With the summer approaching, get-togethers, road trips, or vacations with friends and loved ones might be on your mind.


Read More

Seeing Signs of Alzheimer’s Through Your Eyes
Seeing Signs of Alzheimer’s Through Your Eyes

We’ve all heard the expression that the eyes are a window to the soul. But a recent study has made a breakthrough


Read More

Watch Out! New Bank Scams on the Rise.
Watch Out! New Bank Scams on the Rise.

You may be familiar with the news of some recent bank failures. As a result of these events, many financial


Read More

May’s Recipe: Watermelon Salad with Arugula, Feta, & Fresh Herbs
May’s Recipe: Watermelon Salad with Arugula, Feta, & Fresh Herbs

Watermelon season starts as early as May in many places, so what better time to kick off the summer than with a delicious


Read More

©2020 Indiana Retired Teachers Association. All Right Reserved.