Practices for Keeping Healthy Teeth and Gums

Keeping your teeth and gums healthy with good oral hygiene can prevent dental issues like cavities and periodontal disease. Moreover, good dental hygiene is good for your overall wellbeing. It can boost your confidence and self-esteem when you are able to socialize freely without fears of bad breath or discolored teeth. That is why it is imperative to always visit a local dentist, such as a dental clinic in Sedona, AZ for Arizona residents.

A good rule of thumb is to go to the dentist every six months for a routine checkup. However, if you have preexisting teeth or gum conditions, it may be necessary to visit a dental clinic more regularly. Visiting a dentist regularly can help treat some conditions before they get to an advanced stage. For instance, tooth decay can lead to serious gum issues when not treated in a timely matter. Regular dental visits can also help you determine if you would benefit from procedures like teeth straightening or whitening.

So, what are the other practices for healthy teeth and gums? Well, they include but aren’t limited to the following:

• Brushing regularly

Brushing your teeth gets rid of plaque and bacteria resulting from food particles trapped in between your teeth. However, brushing will only be effective if you do it the right way. For instance, instead of using aggressive forth and back motions, you should use gentle circular motions. You should also take only two or three minutes and avoid using a hard-bristled toothbrush because it can damage the enamel or leave you with bleeding gums. Bleeding gums are not a good sign, and can contribute to tooth sensitivity and gum erosion.

• Use a mouthwash

Toothbrushes may not be able to reach all the corners of the mouth. If you have gum complications, you might also find it painful or rather uncomfortable to brush more than once per day. You might consider using a mouthwash that is rich in fluoride if your toothpaste does not contain fluoride.

• Avoid smoking

Smoking is not only a risk factor for enamel destruction or discoloration, but also gum disease. Research shows that smoking harms the immune system, and can make repairing damaged gum tissues can be difficult. Smoking can also give a bad breath or odor and lead to discoloration of the tongue.

• Limit sugary foods

Sugary food particles will accelerate tooth decay when they get stuck in between the teeth particles. Common foods that contain sugar include candy, cakes, and processed foods.

• Use fluoride

Lastly, you should also consider using toothpaste and mouthwashes that have fluoride as part of their ingredients. Fluoride can prevent cavities and tooth decay. International health organizations recommend adding fluoride to water supplies because some dental products do not contain fluoride, and a handful of people don’t use it at all. Some of the organizations that support such practice include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO).