When it comes to safeguarding your dental health, some people tend to focus on keeping their teeth clean to avoid tooth decay and cavities. However, there’s more to maintaining good oral health than looking out for your teeth. Good dental hygiene also lets you keep your gums healthy and avoid infections. Regular brushing can go some way to keeping the gums in good health, but there are other things you can do to keep yourself safe. Making a habit of proper brushing and flossing eliminates the need for treatments like non-surgical gum therapy in the first place. Keep these methods in mind to help keep your gums and teeth in the pink.
1. Brush and floss every day – Brushing and flossing consistently is the most effective way of protecting your teeth and gums from plaque. Brush twice a day to give your teeth maximum cleaning. During each session, brush for around two minutes to ensure you give your mouth a thorough clean. Brush every tooth properly, including the back teeth, to catch bits of plaque you might miss. Remember to floss at least once a day. Your toothbrush can’t reach these spots so floss can clean these hard to reach places. Focus your efforts between the teeth and on the gum line to remove any bacteria that could harm your gums.
2.0Buy an electric toothbrush – For better results cleaning your teeth, consider getting an electric toothbrush. Specifically, get one that has oscillating and rotating features to catch plaque in hard to reach areas that a regular toothbrush might miss. The more thorough clean can help counter gingivitis and other infections more effectively than a manual toothbrush. Like a regular toothbrush, change the head after three months, or when you see the bristles start to fray.
3. Avoid smoking – Some generally unhealthy habits can also impact your teeth and gums, like smoking. Smoking poses health risks to different parts of the body, including the mouth. For one, it affects circulation to the gums, which can weaken them and cause oral problems (e.g. oral cancer and gum disease). Cut back on the habit to give your gums more protection. Smoking can also weaken the immune system, making it harder to recover and heal after a gum infection. Avoid other tobacco products as well (including chewing tobacco); these products can cause similar effects even when actual smoking isn’t involved.
4. Have regular checkups – It’s generally a good idea to see your dentist every six months or so. This gives the dentist a chance to see your teeth and gums and advise you on how you’re doing. With gum infections, your dentist can identify early signs and take steps to help you before it gets worse. Use your checkups as a chance to get your teeth cleaned professionally. Dentists provide thorough teeth cleanings that can remove plaque from hard-to-reach places you might miss. This system lets you keep your teeth healthy and avoid dental problems before they manifest. Pay attention to any advice your dentist gives you. Their counsel can give you insights on how to prevent gum infection and maintain good oral health in general.
5. Chew gum – Chewing gum can be a great way of keeping the teeth and gums clean and healthy. Chewing gum stimulates saliva production in the mouth, helping clear away more unwanted food particles. Saliva also keeps the mouth clean and enables you to avoid infections. When picking a gum, go for sugar-free options. The lack of sugar doesn’t contribute to tooth decay and gum infection, making it a healthier pick. Look for gum that contains xylitol. Xylitol is a plant-based sweetener. It also helps balance pH levels in your mouth, preventing conditions from getting too acidic and damaging the teeth.
6. Eat healthy – Picking the right foods can go a long way toward protecting your teeth and gums. Stay away from starchy and sugary foods (e.g. candy and prepackaged food). These foods can linger on the teeth for some time, which can contribute to infection. Instead, include more vegetables in your diet. Veggies contain vitamins and minerals like vitamin A and C that can be good for your teeth in the long run. Add plenty of protein-rich foods like chicken, cheese, and milk that contain phosphorus and calcium. Your body needs these foods to remineralize the enamel in teeth and keep them healthy.
7. Get braces – Braces can do so much more for your teeth than making them look attractive. Straight teeth are simpler to clean and less susceptible to plaque buildup and tooth decay. Your toothbrush can reach more of your teeth, eliminating pockets where bacteria and plaque may hide. Take steps to protect your gums by straightening your teeth. Consider getting Invisalign invisible braces to make the correction invisible until it’s done.
8. Use mouthwash – Gargling with mouthwash can be usefully combined with regular brushing and flossing. Brushing removes most of the plaque, but it can miss much of the area inside the mouth. Mouthwash can disinfect the areas the brush can’t reach and make your mouth cleaner. Find and use an antibacterial mouthwash to get better results. These are formulated to disinfect the mouth more effectively. Use twice a day after brushing to maximize cleanliness. Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes. Alcohol can dry out the mouth; refrain from using this kind of mouthwash to maintain oral health.
9. Scrape the tongue – You may have been advised to scrape your tongue after brushing your teeth. Scraping the tongue can remove any leftover bacteria hiding there, making the mouth more clean with every brushing session. Most people use their toothbrushes for the job, but you can also use a small spoon or popsicle stick. There are specially-designed tongue scrapers you can buy to make cleaning more effective.
10. Reduce your stress – Stress is usually considered bad for the heart and mind, but it can also affect your dental health. High stress levels and anxiety can contribute to tics like teeth grinding. Grinding your teeth can degrade the teeth and adversely affect the health of your jaws and gums. Find relaxing activities to help cope with stress in your daily life. Ideally, find methods you can perform easily as part of your daily routine. Take up deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help manage your stress levels. Other things you can do in your free time include finding a hobby or take walks during lunch.
11. Use a gum stimulator – Your gums can do with some exercise, like other muscles in the body. Consider getting a gum stimulator to massage your gums and keep them healthy. They’re usually available at most drug stores, making them easy to acquire. They can also be used to clean between the teeth to finish the job after brushing and flossing. The tip of a gum stimulator runs down and gets dull after a few months. Buy replacement heads from a drug store when that happens to keep using your stimulator without interruption.
Whenever you brush and floss, keep in mind that it does more for your health than just cleaning your teeth. Practice good oral hygiene to keep both gums and teeth in the pink. Going the extra mile after brushing and flossing helps give your mouth a more thorough cleaning. Your gums will thank you for it.
When you need dental specialists for a variety of issues, give Clearbrook Dental a visit. We offer a wide range of services, from cosmetic dentistry to periodontal care. At Clearbrook Dental, we believe in providing patients prompt, personalized service and soothing care to help you through your dental problems. Give us a call at (905) 434-4244 to make an appointment.