5 Tips for Healthy Gums and Teeth
Oral hygiene plays a pivotal part in keeping your gums and teeth healthy. Neglecting the health of your gums and teeth can lead to pain, low self-esteem, and tooth decay, which could ultimately lead to tooth loss.
Ensuring that you have healthy gums and teeth can mitigate these issues. The following are the top five tips on how to achieve healthy gums and teeth.
1. Regular Brushing
Brushing your teeth twice a day can be beneficial to both the health of your teeth and your gums. Although many people may be brushing their teeth twice a day, they may not use the correct technique. Here are some tips to keep in mind while brushing.
- Experts recommend brushing your teeth gently and in small circular motions.
- The length of time you brush your teeth should last between 2-3 minutes.
- Try not to brush aggressively, as this can lead to damage to both your gums and teeth.
- Change your toothbrush every three months and ensure that your toothbrush has soft bristles.
- Many people also neglect to brush their tongues. Plaque can build up on your tongue, which can lead to bad mouth odor. It is recommended that you lightly brush against your tongue.
2. Floss Daily
Flossing removes the plaque in between your teeth, which may not be possible to remove with a toothbrush. You should try to floss your teeth every day. If that’s not possible, you should floss your teeth at a minimum of 3-4 times per week.
The best way to floss your teeth is by putting the floss in between your teeth and taking it all the way down to just below your gumline. Make sure not to snap the floss as you push it between your teeth. This could damage sensitive gum tissue. Bringing the floss back up again, ensure to put it against one side of your tooth, as this will ensure the plaque and debris are removed. Repeat this process for the other side of your tooth for all teeth.
3. Regular Dental Appointments
Going to a dentist is a phobia many people have. What many fail to realize is that visiting the dentist is one of the best prevention methods available to ensure the health of your teeth and gum. Experts recommend that you visit the dentist every six months.
Visiting the dentist regularly will ensure that your mouth and teeth are receiving a thorough check-up. Most dentist visits include deep cleaning your teeth and removing any plaque. A dentist will also be able to spot early signs of cavities and gum disease.
If you are looking for a dentist in Chevy Chase, MD, schedule an appointment today with Dr. Peter Rinaldi.
4. Watch Your Sugar Intake
Studies have shown that sugar has a direct link to tooth decay. Sugar is one of the leading causes of tooth decay. It is recommended that you reduce calories from sugar to 5% of your daily caloric intake. This is the equivalent of seven teaspoons of sugar.
Many processed foods contain sugar, which harms your gums and teeth. It is recommended that you limit your intake of processed food and other foods high in sugar. Replace these foods with fresh fruits and vegetables wherever possible.
5. Fluoride
Fluoride comes from a naturally occurring mineral found in the Earth’s soil, called fluorine. Many studies have shown that fluoride is effective in preventing cavities in teeth. As a result, many governments around the world have started adding fluoride to drinking water.
You can also purchase toothpaste that contains fluoride. The amount of fluoride contained in toothpaste should be included on the packaging and is measured in parts per million (ppm). Adults should use a toothpaste containing 1,350 – 1,500ppm of fluoride. For children, it is recommended that they use a toothpaste containing at least 1,000 ppm of fluoride.
Following these five tips should ensure the long-term health of your teeth and gums. Brushing at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and using tooth products with a sufficient amount of fluoride will be very effective in ensuring that you reduce your risk of developing cavities and tooth decay.
Schedule an Appointment
If you would like to speak with a general dentist in Chevy Chase, MD, schedule an appointment with Dr. Rinaldi for a consultation. We look forward to meeting you.
