South Austin is a fantastic place to call home; with its local eateries, live music scene, and numerous parks and other activities, there’s so much to see and do. At West Creek Dental, we understand how busy life can be and that sometimes it seems like there isn’t enough time to juggle work, school, family obligations, and recreation, let alone dental care.
Our goal is to help you achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile so you can show it off when you’re out with friends and feel confident in professional situations.
In this guide to oral health, you’ll learn about the importance of keeping your teeth and gums healthy, some easy oral health tips and suggestions, and how to find quality dental care in your area.
Everyday Habits for a Healthier Smile
Your overall well-being is directly related to the health of your mouth, so it’s essential to prioritize dental hygiene.
Even if your schedule is extremely busy, there are some things you can do to maintain a healthy smile.
Here are some tips for success:
- Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes to remove plaque and debris. If you’re on the go, try carrying either a travel toothbrush or disposable toothbrushes.
- Floss between each tooth at least once a day. It’s a good idea to carry floss with you in your backpack or keep it at your desk. If you prefer, you can floss in the evening while relaxing at home.
- Rinse your mouth with water after you eat and throughout the day. This washes away bacteria and helps neutralize the acids in your mouth.
- Rinse your mouth with mouthwash to freshen your breath and reduce bacteria before an important meeting.
- Chew sugar-free gum to help eliminate bacteria in your mouth and stimulate saliva production.
- Limit sugary drinks, as they can contribute to tooth decay. Try to drink water instead.
- Avoid too many processed foods; even though they’re convenient, they aren’t good for you. Try to plan ahead and pack some healthy snacks before you leave the house. Crunchy vegetables, whole grains, healthy salads, and fruit are great options.
- Make regular visits to your South Austin dentist for routine exams and cleanings. This can help you avoid tooth decay, gum disease, and other issues.
- Do your best to quit smoking; tobacco use contributes to oral health concerns and can lead to serious health complications.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Drinking water can help you produce saliva and make it possible for you to enjoy all the activities Austin has to offer.
Family Dental Care: From Toddlers to Seniors
At West Creek Dental, we offer comprehensive care for your entire family, from toddlers to seniors.
Some of the treatments we might recommend at each stage include the following:
- Children — We love seeing children in our dental office! To keep their teeth strong and healthy, we provide fluoride treatments, sealants, dental cleanings and check-ups, and fillings.
- Teens — Once your child becomes a teenager, their dental needs may be different. We can recommend Invisalign® clear aligners for their orthodontic concerns, remove their wisdom teeth, and offer treatment options for teeth whitening or other cosmetic concerns.
- Adults — For adult patients in Austin, we offer tooth-colored fillings, crowns and bridges, periodontal treatment, and numerous cosmetic treatment options, including veneers, teeth whitening, and Invisalign clear aligner therapy.
- Seniors — Older adults often have unique dental needs, so we provide periodontal care and numerous tooth replacement options, including dental implants, dental bridges, dentures, and partial dentures, as well as routine cleanings and exams to help them keep their teeth and gums as healthy as possible.
Finding the Right Dentist in South Austin
If you’re new to the area, you might be wondering how to find the right dentist for your family’s changing oral health needs.
As you begin your search, you might want to consider these tips:
- Ask around — Reach out to your neighbors and co-workers to see where they receive dental care. If they recommend a quality dentist, you can narrow your list of candidates. Also, if you have family in the Austin area, check with them as well.
- Search online — After you’ve narrowed your list of prospective candidates, spend a little time looking at online reviews to get an idea of what actual patients are saying. Also, look at each dentist’s website to see what their qualifications are and whether they belong to any professional organizations.
- Check the necessities — You’ll want to make sure that your new dentist is conveniently located close to where you live, work, and go to school. It’s also a good idea to find out if they accept your insurance and if they offer all the services your family needs.
- Schedule a visit — When you think you’ve found the right dentist, consider visiting their office so you can get a sense of the atmosphere and how the dental team communicates with you and each other. Often, you can learn a great deal in just a few minutes.
Need a Dentist in South Austin, TX?
If you need a dentist in Oak Hill or Austin, look no further than the experienced dental team at West Creek Dental! We offer comprehensive dental care to patients of all ages, and we’d love to form a long-standing relationship with you and your loved ones.
Whether you need routine dental care, periodontal treatment, tooth replacement, or you’d like to explore our cosmetic dentistry services, we’ve got you covered.
Please get in touch with our dental office by calling (512) 394-7989.