Key indicators of your mouth’s health include how well-aligned your teeth are and the brightness of your smile. However, you shouldn’t ignore your gums. Having cavity-free, pearl-white chompers doesn’t make you immune to gum disease. Dr Bryan Shanahan warns that gum disease may be painless and that means you might not notice that something is wrong with your gums. Here are the best practices to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
1. Brush your teeth properly twice a day
Brushing your teeth regularly is an essential step to good oral hygiene. According to the American Dental Association, you should brush your teeth twice daily to eliminate food particles and remove plaque from your gums and teeth. Use short, gentle strokes and pay special attention to your gum line.
Most dentists recommend an electric or battery-powered toothbrush. Such a toothbrush are known to reduce plaque and gingivitis more than manual brushing. Besides, you should replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, before the bristles begin to fray.
2. Floss regularly
Flossing at least once daily helps remove food and plaque that’s beyond a toothbrush’s reach. This way, you can successfully clear bacteria between your teeth and the sections your toothbrush cannot reach. No matter the specific time of the day you decide to floss, just be sure to do it the right way.
3. Use mouth rinse for more protection
In addition to your daily flossing and brushing, a mouth rinse can increase the overall cleanliness of your mouth. Generally, mouth rinses have antimicrobial properties that reduce plaque and bacteria activity which cause gum disease. A fluoride mouth rinse can also help minimize or prevent tooth decay.
Before you purchase a mouth rinse, first talk to your dentist. Not everyone can use a fluoride mouth rinse. For example, the product isn’t recommended for kids under the age of six years because they might swallow it. It’s also best to check the manufacturer’s label for recommendations and precautions.
4. Quit smoking
Medical experts have always associated smoking with gum disease, and this is enough reason for you to quit smoking. Besides, smoking weakens one’s immune system, and that makes it more challenging for your body to fight gum disease and other infections, according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Actually, smoking makes it more challenging for your gums to respond to treatment once they’re damaged. Therefore, quitting smoking can help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
5. Visit your dentist regularly
A dentist can detect early signs of gum disease, but only if you visit a dentist regularly. That way, you can be treated early enough before your gums get damaged. Getting your teeth cleaned professionally is an effective way of removing tartar. The expert can also get rid of plaque incases part of it wasn’t removed when you were flossing or brushing. If you’re battling with gingivitis, brushing, flossing, and visiting a reputable dental clinic regularly can help reverse the condition.
