Oral diseases pose a major health burden across the world. In fact, about 3.5 billion people have oral diseases. Untreated dental caries is the most common health condition worldwide, too.
Meanwhile, severe periodontal (gum) disease affects 10% of the global population.
Neglecting your teeth and gum health could lead to serious complications in the future. You might even lose teeth! Before that can happen, consider using these tips to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Properly caring for teeth and gums now could save you stress later. You can avoid teeth problems like decay, infection, or loss. A few small changes today could have a major impact on your future smile.
Learn how to maintain stunning, perfect teeth this year. Start prioritizing your gums and teeth with these tips today.
1. Remain Consistent
First, make sure to brush and floss every day. Don’t head to bed without brushing your teeth. Otherwise, you’ll give bacteria and food particles the chance to mix and grow.
When left unattended, bacteria and food particles can contribute to plaque formation. Plaque is a sticky film that can cling to the surface of or between your teeth. You can brush and floss plaque away before it gets the chance to impact your oral health.
Otherwise, you could experience teeth problems like cavity development. Plaque and bacteria can also cause gingivitis. Gingivitis is the initial stage of gum disease.
When the bacteria from gum disease spreads, it can impact your overall health.
Bacteria can also spread to impact your tooth enamel. Enamel protects your teeth from future decay. Without enamel, your teeth could become vulnerable.
You might notice your smile is appearing dull and discolored, too.
It’s important to note that you can’t “regrow” enamel once it’s gone. Instead, you need to start caring for teeth before problems develop. Otherwise, your risk of tooth infection, gingivitis, and cavities can increase.
Your teeth might become sensitive to warm or hot food and beverages, too.
Before you notice signs of a cavity, start your day off right! Brush before starting your day. Then, end the day on a high note by brushing and flossing.
Making these tips a habit can help you maintain healthy teeth and gums.
2. Adjust Your Technique
While it’s important to brush twice a day, how you brush matters as well. Make sure you’re using the proper technique. Brushing thoroughly can help ensure you’re removing bacteria, food particles, and plaque from your teeth.
When plaque gets the chance to linger, it can harden into tartar. You can’t brush tartar away on your own. Instead, you’ll need to visit your dentist to have tartar professionally cleaned away.
Start brushing properly by holding your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle. Then, brush each tooth using small circles. Swipe away from your gums.
Make sure to get the front and back of each tooth, too.
Don’t brush too hard. Otherwise, you might risk aggravating your gums and teeth.
3. Check Your Brush
Make sure to replace your brush head every few months. If your bristles look worn out, replace your brush sooner.
You might want to use an electronic toothbrush to thoroughly remove plaque and bacteria as well.
Consider the toothpaste you’re using, too. A toothpaste that contains fluoride can protect your teeth from future decay.
4. Make Sure to Floss
Consider the technique you’re using when flossing as well. Try to form a C-shape with your floss.
Talk to your dentist about the type of floss you’re choosing. If you have gaps between your teeth, use thicker floss. Consider choosing between waxed or unwaxed options as well.
5. Stay Hydrated
Make sure to drink plenty of water each day. Try drinking water after each meal. Drinking water can wash away sticky or acidic foods and beverages.
It can also make sure your cells, organs, and tissues function properly.
6. Minimize Sugars and Acids
Sugar can convert into acid within your mouth, which could erode your protective enamel. You might develop teeth problems like cavities as a result.
Try to avoid sugary foods or acids like lemon and tomato. Consider drinking less tea and coffee, too. Otherwise, avoid beverages that are high in sugar.
7. Adjust Your Diet
Consider eating more crunchy fruits and vegetables this year. Fresh produce contains healthy fibers. It can also boost saliva formation, which can wash sugars away from your teeth.
8. Brush Your Tongue
It’s not enough to brush your teeth, though. You’ll also need to make sure you’re brushing your tongue. Otherwise, neglecting your tongue will allow bacteria to linger in your mouth.
You might develop bad breath as a result. In addition to a bad odor, neglecting your tongue could lead to other oral health issues, too.
9. Visit the Dentist
Schedule a check-up and teeth cleaning appointment with your dentist every six months. Regular check-ups can help you spot problems before they progress. Your dentist can also inform you of changes you might need to make to your routine.
Make sure to visit an appointment right away if you experience any new symptoms. For example, a minor toothache could indicate a serious problem. Here’s what to do for emergency toothache relief.
Otherwise, you could notice:
- Tooth or gum sensitivity
- Loose teeth
- Foul-smelling breath even after you brush
- Pus between your gums and teeth
- Gums that bleed when your floss or brush
- Loose teeth
- Changes in your bite
- Tender, red, or swollen gums
- Pain when chewing
If these symptoms of gum disease sound familiar, make sure to contact your dentist right away. You can seek treatment before gum disease progresses into its advanced stages. Otherwise, gingivitis could increase your risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and other serious problems.
You could risk losing teeth, too.
Start Smiling: 9 Essential Tips for Maintaining Healthy Teeth and Gums
Maintaining healthy teeth and gums doesn’t have to feel like a hassle. Instead, add these nine simple tips to your routine. With these tips, you can avoid teeth problems and cavities.
Instead, you can maintain a happy, healthy smile year-round.
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