The best way to take care of your teeth and gums is to develop a healthy lifestyle. In addition, you need a consistent oral hygiene routine. It’s never too late to start taking care of your mouth. For that reason, you can ask your dentist to give you some tips for healthy teeth and gums. Or, you can just keep reading for these 7 tips!
7 Tips for Healthy Teeth and Gums
1. Brush Twice a Day (At Least)
While brushing your teeth twice daily for two minutes at a time is sufficient, brushing after every meal is ideal. The American Dental Association recommends fluoride toothpaste, as fluoride kills bacteria and removes plaque.
2. Floss Once a Day
Flossing with either dental floss or a water flosser helps to remove food particles or plaque residue in between teeth. In addition, it reaches below the gum line where the bristles of a toothbrush can’t reach. For that reason, flossing can help prevent cavities that can hide in between the teeth, going unnoticed.
3. Use Mouthwash Once a Day
A fluoride mouthwash can help eliminate bacteria, freshen breath, and strengthen the enamel on your teeth. It also helps wash away any residue or food or plaque once you’ve finished brushing and flossing your teeth.
4. Avoid Sugar & Starch
Plaque thrives in atmospheres with heavy sugar and starch levels. However, while everyone gets plaque naturally, it can be harmful if it goes untreated. Plaque can cause gum disease, cavities, and tartar buildup. Cutting down on sugary foods and drinks can reduce plaque production, resulting in a healthy smile.
5. Avoid Tobacco & Alcohol
Smoking and chewing tobacco can cause discolored teeth, gum disease, tooth loss, plaque & tartar buildup, and other various oral problems. It also reduces your mouth’s ability to heal after receiving a cut, ulcer, or other injuries. On the other hand, alcohol can heavily dry out your mouth, leaving you with small amounts of saliva. Insufficient amounts of saliva can promote the growth of plaque and tartar. Alcohol is also full of starches and sugars, which can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and more.
6. Consider Dental Sealants
Dental Sealants are a thin, see-through coating that gets painted onto the chewing surfaces of your teeth. This creates a wall between your teeth and food, bacteria, and other harmful substances. This way, we can mitigate plaque buildup and cavities also have nowhere to form.
7. Visit Your Dentist Every 6 Months
We recommend that you have an oral examination as well as a teeth cleaning every six months. During your visit, we can scrape any plaque buildup off your teeth. In addition, your dentist can check for any underlying issues in your oral health.
Call Us Today!
Visit any of our Winn Smiles locations for your next dental checkup! We’d love to give you more tips for healthy teeth and gums. And, even better, we’re ready to provide the expert cleaning and dental care you need. Call us today to book your next appointment. We’re excited to meet you!