Tips for Healthy Teeth and Gums

October 13, 2022 by christopher pupillo
8a73a8e3-dd3c-4446-aa72-400d47f546fd-1200x800.jpg

Good oral hygiene is crucial for a healthy smile and the prevention of dental problems. Better dental health also plays a key role in overall mental and physical well-being. Fortunately, you can easily achieve good oral hygiene. Keep reading to know how you can improve your oral health.

Floss at Least Once Daily

A brush may not be able to reach all the spaces in your mouth. Floss at least once each day to remove food particles and dirt from hard-to-reach areas. Ideally, the floss material should be approximately 18 inches long.

Put the floss material around the teeth in a C shape and pull it up and down about 10 times. Repeat the same process for all the teeth. If you think you didn’t reach every area, you can also use dental picks and interproximal brushes.

Water flossers are another common flossing material. However, these types of flossers aren’t effective when it comes to removing tiny biofilm particles in your mouth. So, you should complement the water flosser with the traditional dental floss.

Brush Properly and Regularly

Brush your teeth at least twice daily. In particular, brush your teeth just before you go to bed at night. When you brush your teeth before bed, you will eliminate plaque and germs that may have accumulated in your mouth during the day.

Properly brush your teeth since improper brushing is as ineffective as failing to brush. The toothbrush should move gently around the teeth, preferably in circular motions.

Failure to brush the tongue can also encourage plaque accumulation. The accumulation may cause a foul smell in your mouth and other dental complications. Thus, ensure you also brush your tongue whenever you brush your teeth.

Many types of toothpaste exist, but fluoride toothpaste is typically more effective. Fluoride helps to prevent tooth decay and can eliminate germs from your teeth.

Schedule Regular Visits to the Dentist

You should schedule a dental checkup once every six months. The dental checkup will reveal any emerging tooth problems and enable early intervention. Common oral problems, such as mouth cancer and gum disease, will become apparent during a dental checkup.

Dentists use a variety of tests during dental checkups. One of them is an X-ray exam to detect any cavities on your teeth.

Your dentist will propose possible solutions if the dental checkup finds a problem. The dentist will also get rid of any hardened tartar and plaque on your teeth.

Use a Mouthwash

Using mouthwash can have a positive impact on your dental health. For instance, a mouthwash that contains chlorhexidine can reduce the risk of gingivitis and plaque.

Other mouthwashes come with essential oils that are key to better dental health. Mouthwashes can also kill specific bacteria strains to get rid of foul smells. Moreover, a fluoride mouthwash is particularly helpful because it prevents plaque buildup on your tongue, teeth, and gums.

Remember to floss and brush your teeth even if you use mouthwash. A better approach is to seek advice from your dentist before you start to use a mouthwash.

Avoid Sugary Snacks

Certain types of food can be harmful to your dental health. A good example is snacks that contain high concentrations of sugar. Instead, focus on healthy meals that contain minimal or no sugar.

An excellent strategy is to eat three meals daily with minimal or no snacks in between. The three meals should be balanced and contain healthy foods.

Protect Your Dental Health

Many preventive actions can boost your oral health. However, dental problems may still occur at some point. If you think you have dental problems, visit Accent Dental. We will diagnose the problem and implement the correct treatment. Contact us for all your dental needs.