Teeth and gum care is the best way to ensure a good oral health. Healthy habits like brushing, flossing and regular visits to a Prince George dental office can prevent cavities and gum diseases (which are the leading causes of pain and tooth loss).
You’ve probably heard this line – brush your teeth at least two times every day; floss daily; and have your teeth checked by a dentists two times in a year – one too many times. But this is only because it is the best way of taking care of your oral health.
If anything, proper gum and teeth care doesn’t need lots of time or expensive oral hygiene equipment. Implementing daily gentle tooth flossing and brushing and avoiding simple sugars is the basic foundation. Drinking plenty of water, not smoking and getting regular dental check-ups and cleaning are also essential to keep your teeth cavity free and gums, healthy.
Taking care of your dental health
Healthy hums allow you to eat well and enjoy what you are eating. A range issues can affect your oral health, but good care can ensure strong teeth and gums even as you age.
Gum disease
This starts when there is an accumulation of plaque under your gum line. The build-up leads to infections that affect the gum and bone that hold the teeth. Gum disease (gingivitis) tends to make your gums softer and more susceptible to bleeding. Luckily, gingivitis can be fixed by daily brushing and flossing. However, if you have a severe gum disease (periodontitis), you’ll need the attention of a dentist. If left untreated, it can ruin your gums, bones and other teeth-supporting tissues.
How to prevent gum disease
- Floss once a day
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Eat a well-balanced diet
- Schedule regular visits to your dentist for cleaning and check-ups
- Quite smoking
Tooth decay
Your teeth are covered by the enamel – the hard, outer coating. When a dental plaque accumulates on the enamel, the bacteria in the plaque form acids that erode the hard coating. With time, this exposes the roots of the teeth, causing sensitivity, and even cavities. Flossing and brushing your teeth can help prevent cavities from forming. However, if you already have decay, your Prince George dental office can help fix the problem.
Preventing tooth decay
- Brush and floss
- Regular dental visits for check-ups for cleaning
- Brushing using a fluoride toothpaste
- Cleaning your teeth and gums
It’s recommended to brush and floss your teeth daily; however, you also should ensure you’re doing that the right way:
- Gently brush for two minutes – focusing on all sides of your teeth. Use a fluoride toothpaste and soft-bristle brush
- Keenly and gently brush along your gum line to remove plaque
- Use short back-and-forth strikes and smaller circular movements
- Don’t forget to brush your tongue lightly
- Clean around every tooth with a dental floss – this removes leftovers and plaque that toothbrush can’t reach
- Rinse after flossing
If you have arthritis or any other dental condition, you may use a battery or electric-operated toothbrush; slide a foam tube or bicycle grip over your toothbrush handle or purchase a brush with a larger handle so you don’t hurt while brushing.