Top Tips To Maintaining Healthy Teeth And Gums

Top Tips To Maintaining Healthy Teeth And Gums

Are you self-conscious about your smile and your teeth? If the answer is yes, then you may want to consider taking care of your gums and teeth by using professional dental services. Of course, there are other methods one can use that will also improve the health of your smile without needing to visit a dental professional. The dental professionals from Family Dentistry of Lake Worth states that evidence has found that people can protect their teeth from long-term damage by merely avoiding or removing detrimental dental habits.

Positive dental hygiene includes everything you do to maintain healthy teeth and gums, and by implementing the tips listed below you will improve your overall oral health. The correct dental habits can reduce the time spent in a dentist’s chair and provide you with a brighter, whiter smile. Remember, while it is tempting to avoid brushing your teeth when you feel sleepy, by taking a few minutes to brush and floss before going to sleep you will see a great difference to your teeth.

Below are some of the top tips available to maintain good dental health:

1. Brushing Your Teeth Before Heading To Bed

In an ideal world all people would brush their teeth twice per day, but the most crucial time to brush one’s teeth is before going to sleep. Saliva assists in fighting cavity-causing bacteria; however, people do not produce adequate amounts of saliva when sleeping. Brushing your teeth before heading to bed will help prevent acid eating through the enamel on the teeth, which can result in tooth decay.

2. Brush Using A Proper Technique

When brushing you need to hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle as this will help the bristles reach behind the teeth and gums. Move the bristles back and forth with small strokes, as well as up and down along the teeth and gums. It is important that you use a gentle pressure when brushing your teeth to avoid any gum bleeding or erosion.

3. Use The Correct Type Of Toothbrush

The ideal brushing time is two minutes per day using a toothbrush with soft bristles. The Sonic Toothbrush is beneficial as it has a two-minute timer feature with a thirty-second interval reminder prompting you to move along to the next quadrant in your mouth. This type of toothbrush presents with three separate brush heads and three separate brushing modes including clean, massage, and soft.

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4. Do Not Forget To Brush The Tongue

Many people forget to brush their tongues, but brushing the tongue can assist in removing bacteria from the mouth and preventing bad breath. Gently brush your tongue with the toothbrush or utilize a tongue scraper to remove any bacteria from the area. A tongue scraper can also prevent any plaque from accumulating – the item that results in bad breath.

5. Flossing Daily

Flossing is advantageous because it can help remove food particles or debris that has become caught between the teeth. String floss can be harsh on one’s gums; therefore it is recommended that you use gentler water floss as an alternative. Oral irrigators are useful and operate by sending pulses of water to clean between the teeth and below the gum line.

6. Avoiding Tobacco Products

One of the most significant things you can do to keep your teeth healthy is avoiding tobacco-based products. Not only does tobacco stain tooth enamel and cause bad breath, but it can also result in periodontal conditions and potential oral cancer.

7. Reducing The Intake Of Sugary Snacks And Beverages

Evidence shows that sugar converts into acid in a human’s mouth, which then results in cavities and erosion of tooth enamel. To avoid any of these detrimental results, it is recommended that you opt for healthier alternatives including unsweetened tea, water, and fruit.

8. Snacking On Vegetables And Crunchy Fruit

Everyone loves a snack and it is recommended that one enjoy crunchy foods as snacks, such as celery, apples, and carrots instead of sugary items. The crunchy snacks can increase physical health and help remove any food residue from the teeth.

9. Receive A Daily Dose Of Calcium

Consuming foods that are rich in both vitamin D and calcium is beneficial as they strengthen your bones, teeth, and help maintain healthy gums.

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10. Drinking More Water

Water is beneficial as it will not stain your teeth or cause any cavities. In fact, drinking water can help prevent cavities by removing acids and sugars that linger on the tooth enamel.

11. Replacing A Toothbrush Regularly

Dental professionals recommend changing a toothbrush every three months or immediately after being ill.

12. Using Therapeutic Mouthwash

Therapeutic mouthwash does far more than merely hide bad breath. It can also assist in reducing plaque build-up, the appearance of gingivitis, cavities, and evidence of bacteria.

13. Maintain regular dental visits

Keeping routine visits to the dentist for comprehensive exams and cleanings can identify any potential issues and prevent them from getting worse. The dentist will remove any identifiable tartar or plaque and make the necessary recommendations for optimal oral care.

14. Seek help for any unusual mouth aches and pains

When experiencing a toothache, gum sensitivity, or even jaw pain, you shouldn’t hold off visiting your dentist. The dentist can pinpoint any underlying causes and further help prevent the problems from increasing leading to future costly dental repair work.

15. Take good care of your oral care equipment

Be sure to thoroughly rinse off your toothbrush or oral irrigator equipment following their use. Always store the toothbrush you use in an upright position, preferably inside of a medicine cabinet. Don’t cover the brush head because it can result in the growth of bacteria and mold.  If you use an oral irrigator, empty the water out after each use allowing it to dry so that it prevents bacteria from building up.

Following the above tips will help you with your goal of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Scheduling a consultation with a certified dentist, like the ones at the Family Dentistry of Deerfield Beach will give you the proper foundation for good oral health.