What Are the Best Tips for Healthy Gums and Teeth?
Did you know that having healthy gums and teeth can boost your self-confidence?
Healthy teeth and gums are a sign that you’re taking care of yourself and making good choices for the future. With New Year’s around the corner, it’s time to make sure your oral health is in the best shape it’s ever been in.
Are you ready to have a beautiful smile by the end of the year? Then keep reading for our favorite healthy tips for teeth and gums.
Always Brush Your Teeth
Brushing your teeth is an important part of maintaining a healthy mouth, and it’s one of the best tips for healthy gums and teeth. To properly brush your teeth, use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste, and use gentle, circular motions and short strokes.
Brush every surface of your teeth and also your gums to remove food particles and bacteria. Do this at least twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, and after every meal if possible.
You should brush for at least two minutes each time. Use small, circular motions and tilt your brush up at a 45-degree angle against the gums.
The gum line and the inside surface of teeth should also be cleaned. Spend an extra moment on those hard-to-reach back teeth. Be sure to brush the tongue, since bacteria can collect there as well.
Avoid Sugary Foods and Drinks
Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar, which can produce acids and lead to cavities and other dental issues. Sugary foods and drinks also increase the risk of plaque build-up and inflammation of the gums.
Cutting down on candy, cakes, and sweetened beverages is essential for good oral health. Not only should sugary foods be eliminated, but one should also limit the consumption of acidic beverages, such as sodas and sports drinks since they can harm enamel. Healthier habits should be formed to keep gums and teeth healthy, and one of the best methods is to reduce or eliminate the intake of sugary foods and drinks.
Floss Teeth Once a Day
A string of dental floss helps remove decaying food particles and plaque between teeth and at the gum line, preventing the development of cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. To floss properly, an individual should start with a piece of dental floss between the thumb and forefinger, wrapping it around the middle fingers, and moving it gently between the teeth in a circular motion.
For those who are having difficulty reaching areas of their mouth, an interdental brush can help. Flossing once a day is necessary for a healthy mouth. Doing so will help remove bacteria, promoting healthy teeth and gums. Encouraging children and teens to floss regularly is also important to teach them proper dental hygiene habits for life.
Consider Mouthwash
Mouthwash is great to consider for healthy gums and teeth. It helps to kill bacteria, reduce plaque buildup, and freshens breath. To use it effectively, it’s important to swish the rinse around the mouth and between the teeth for at least 30 seconds, then spit it out, do not swallow it.
It is also important to use the correct type of mouthwash for best results- therapeutic mouthwash treats bacteria and plaque buildup, whereas cosmetic mouthwash freshens breath but doesn’t treat any problems. Ideally, mouthwash should be used once or twice a day to gain maximum effectiveness.
Avoid Smoking, Chewing Tobacco, & Alcohol
Cigarette smoking, specifically, can increase the risk for gum disease, as well as other oral health issues such as tooth decay, bad breath, and stained teeth. When it comes to chewing tobacco, there is an increased risk of infection and oral cancer.
It can weaken the enamel’s defenses, leaving the teeth susceptible to bacteria and decay. Avoid these three habits altogether to keep your gums and teeth healthy and strong.
See Dentist Every 6 Months
Regular check-ups will help diagnose any existing or pre-existing problems, and going to the dentist can advise on any necessary changes in your oral health care. Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential, as this can help avoid future problems such as cavities and gum disease.
You can consider visiting a page on endodontic services to learn more about oral health care.
Drink More Water
Water helps wash away excess bacteria and food particles that can damage the enamel and linger in your mouth, causing decay. Fluoride is also found in most drinking water and helps strengthen teeth, gums, and bones as well as fight cavities and other bacterial infections. Saliva also helps protect your teeth and gums and drinking water helps increase saliva production, further aiding against potential decay.
Remember to swish and rinse your mouth with water regularly for maximum benefit. Drinking 8 cups of water per day is recommended for good dental health and overall well-being.
Get Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are thin coatings of plastic applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth, usually the molars and premolars, to protect them from plaque and decay. Sealants work as a barrier between the tooth and viruses, bacteria, and other debris that can cause cavities.
An added benefit of sealants is that they can last up to 10 years, so as long as proper hygiene is maintained, it can be an effective way to protect teeth for a long period of time.
Utilizing Oral Hygiene Aids to Maintain Healthy Gums and Teeth
From flossing to brushing, many tips can help you keep your healthy gums and teeth. To ensure you practice good dental hygiene, make sure to maintain a regular schedule of brushing and flossing, and see your dentist regularly. Take action today to ensure your gums and teeth stay healthy and strong!
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