7 Steps to Healthy Teeth and Gums
The key to healthy teeth and gums can be found in the guidance commonly dispensed by dental professionals.
It’s quite literally advice they share all the time, during every visit. But life is busy, we don’t always follow the suggestions of professionals, and sometimes we need reminders. To help get you on the road to spectacular dental hygiene, here are 7 tips to healthy teeth and gums:
1. Brush Your Teeth
Yes, it’s the obvious thing, but it’s worth mentioning because it is the most important step. Brushing your teeth twice a day removes plaque and bacteria. The whole process, if you’re doing it right, should take 2-3 minutes. Don’t brush too hard as you can damage tooth enamel and gums. Instead use a medium or soft bristle toothbrush for the most effective clean.
2. Use Fluoride
Fluoride is a common ingredient in toothpaste and mouthwash and is derived from a natural element called fluorine. There is evidence to suggest that fluoride can inhibit tooth decay. Talk to your dentist, during your visit, about the use of fluoride if you have questions.
3. Floss Every Single Day
Flossing is an easy practice to incorporate into your everyday routine. It doesn’t take very long and it helps remove plaque and bacteria from between your teeth. Flossing helps prevent bad breath by removing trapped food particles. The most effective technique is to gently push the floss down to the gum line and hug the side of the tooth in an up and down motion.
4. See a Dentist on a Regular Basis
No, we’re not saying you have to date a dentist, but it’s a good idea to schedule a visit every now and then. It’s recommended that you see a dentist every 6 months to a year. Routine dental examinations allow your hygienist to remove hardened tartar and plaque buildup. They can also evaluate overall dental health and identify any potential issues.
5. Avoid Smoking
Smoking has a negative impact on the body’s immune system, making it difficult to heal damaged tissue in a timely manner. This includes tissue inside your mouth. Smoking is a risk factor in gum disease and impacts the look and feel of the mouth, including discoloration and foul odor. Bottom line—don’t smoke.
6. Avoid Sugary Foods and Starches
While sugar may taste amazing, it’s one the leading factors that leads to cavities. We’re not saying give up sugar altogether, rather try and avoid it and try natural sugars as opposed to refined sugar. Starchy foods can also cause issues. Crackers, bread, and pasta can linger in the mouth and break down into simple sugars, which acid-producing bacteria feed upon. The resulting acid can eventually lead to tooth decay.
7. Drink Water, Avoid Pop
Drinking pop, juice, energy drinks or other sugary drinks increases your risk of generating cavities. It’s highly recommended that drinking water or unsweetened tea leads to healthier teeth and gums and less cavitied overall.
If you’re already following these steps but are still concerned about your dental health, contact our practice to book an appointment today!