Tips for Healthier Teeth and Gums

When it comes to oral health, prevention is better than cure. Here are a few things that dentists recommend we do to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Brush the Right Way

While brushing regularly is vital, what is, perhaps, more important is the way we brush our teeth. The American Dental Association recommends that we position our brush at a 45-degree angle and brush back and forth, using only short strokes. It’s important to also brush the palate and tongue to get rid of food particles completely.

Eat Healthy

What we eat influences our dental health. Foods that have high doses of calcium, such as dairy products, green leafy vegetables, and fresh fish, should be included in meals to improve oral health. It’s also a good idea to keep starchy foods and sweets to a minimum since they can remain on the surface of the teeth and gums for a long time.

Avoid Teeth Strainers

Tobacco and good dental hygiene don’t go together. Not only does tobacco stain the teeth, but it can also cause gum recession, periodontal disease, and tooth loss. What’s more, tobacco can also weaken the immune system and make one more prone to infections. Soda and coffee are also not great for oral health since they can stain the surface of the teeth.

Visit the Dentist Regularly

Many people think they don’t have to visit the dentist if they don’t have a toothache or any other persistent dental issue, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Dental visits should, ideally, begin from early childhood, and adults should continue visiting the dentist at least once every six months. Remember that dentists are trained to look for early signs of tooth decay and gum disease, thus allowing for timely treatment and management of any issues. This can save affected individuals tons of time, money, and discomfort.

Floss Every Day

Flossing is vital since the toothbrush cannot reach the parts between the teeth, where food residue may remain. When flossing, make sure to be gentle to avoid bleeding or hurting the gums in any way.