Keep Your Gums Healthy
Brushing and flossing your teeth and keeping your teeth in tip-top shape is critical to maintaining a great smile. Although these attributes are very important, most people overlook the health of their gums. In fact, the gums can play a major role in determining serious conditions such as periodontist or heart disease. Pay special attention to your gums when brushing and flossing and notice any changes. If you see anything that looks different bring it up to your dentist. Meanwhile, follow these 8 tips to keep your gums and teeth extra healthy to avoid oral complications.
1.Got Milk? –
The calcium within milk contents helps protect your teeth against periodontal disease and keeps the bones and teeth strong. Eating foods that are rich in calcium is necessary if you want to maintain strong teeth!
2.Floss Your Teeth –
Flossing your teeth at least one time a day helps remove the food that’s stuck in between your teeth. It also helps to remove plaque which prevents the buildup of tartar. According to Oral b, flossing your teeth helps them look brighter and healthier. It also helps the gum stay in its best shape by removing unwanted bacteria on the surface.
There is an easy method to flossing your teeth. Start by getting around 18 inches of floss, with each side wrapping around the index finger of each hand. Leave an inch exposed because this section will be what cleans in between your teeth. Hold the floss gently and slide the floss in an up-down motion in between your teeth. Each time you do this, use a clean section of a different tooth.
3.Brushing Your Teeth –
Brushing your teeth is the single most important action that you can do to maintain healthy gums and teeth. This daily routine removes bacteria that causes bad breath and limits plaque build-up along the gums. If plaque develops along with your gums it may become difficult to remove and it can also lead to gum disease.
There is a specific technique that can be used when brushing your teeth. Place the toothbrush along with your teeth at a 45-degree angle by the gums. Scrub your teeth with the toothbrush in a circular motion using wide strokes. Make sure to get every tooth, even behind the tooth. Make sure to brush for at least 2 minutes. In addition, make sure to brush your teeth twice a day, one time when you get up in the morning and the second before you go to bed.
4.Say No To Smoking –
Smoking is the worst habit to have if you are wanting to maintain a healthy smile. It causes your immune system to become weaker and makes it harder for your body to fight off bacteria. Also, smokers are 4 times more likely to develop gum disease than nonsmokers because it affects the soft tissue of your teeth.
According to Colgate, more than half of periodontal diseases are caused by smoking. Additionally, if your gums have been hurt or damaged it makes it tough for it to heal itself if you are a chronic smoker. The effects of smoking do not only affect your gums, it can affect your overall health. Some of the consequences include:
- Increased tartar buildup
- Loss of jawbone
- Tooth discolorations
- Inflammation of the gland openings
- Lower success rate of dental implants
- White patches in the mouth
5.Use Fluoride Toothpaste –
Next time you shop for a toothpaste, choose one that contains fluoride. Fluoride prevents tooth decay and makes teeth more resistant to acid and plaque build-up in the mouth. This type of toothpaste also helps to prevent receding gums and periodontist. According to Colgate fluoride helps reduce cavities and it also assists developing the enamel when teeth are beginning to appear.
Fluoride is naturally found in water and for the past several decade’s fluoride levels have been added into the public water system to prevent tooth decay. When shopping for a toothpaste make sure that it includes fluoride and that it has the American Dental Association stamped on the front.
6. Use A Mouthwash –
Using mouthwash is critical at keeping all areas of the mouth clean. Brushing and flossing your teeth keeps your teeth pearly white clean. However, rinsing with a mouthwash can keep the tongue, roof of your mouth and gums free from bacteria. Using mouthwash regularly also helps fight gum disease, prevent cavities and safeguard your pregnancy.
7.Go See The Dentist –
Visiting your dentist every 6 months can help you stay on the right path to maintaining great health. It’s important to use the information gathered at your dental appointment to stay on the right track until your next appointment. If you have further questions or additional assistance your dentist can suggest frequent visits.
Contact Us –
At Pristine Perio we are dedicated to helping our patients maintain a beautiful smile that will last a lifetime. At our dental practice we use the latest dental technology to make sure that our patient’s have the best treatment. If you have any questions on maintaining great oral health or to schedule an appointment, call us today. Our dental staff are available to answer any questions that you may have.