Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is essential for having a beautiful smile. While brushing and flossing are important steps in maintaining good oral health, there are other at-home tricks you can add to your regimen for added benefit.
One of the best ways to prevent cavities and keep your teeth healthy is by limiting sugary foods and drinks. This helps guard against sugar cravings and keeps them at a healthy level.
1. Brush Daily
Maintaining healthy teeth and gums isn't just for aesthetics; it's an effective way to lower your risk of developing various serious medical conditions. It is well known that poor oral hygiene can contribute to heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis - making it important to practice good oral hygiene at all times.
Brushing twice daily will keep your mouth free of harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease, as well as sugar that feeds these organisms and contributes to bad breath.
In addition to brushing your teeth, flossing is another essential step in maintaining the health of your gums and teeth. It helps get rid of plaque between them and beneath the gumline where other tools cannot reach.
2. Floss Daily
Flossing is the best way to remove plaque and food that cannot be reached by your toothbrush. Not only does it prevent gum disease and cavities from occurring, but it also freshens your breath.
Bacteria that accumulates between your teeth can lead to bad breath and erosion of the enamel. Regular flossing keeps these bacteria at bay, and prevents them from causing gingivitis and periodontitis - serious oral health complications including inflammation, tooth loss, and gum recession.
Flossing can also reduce your risk for heart disease and diabetes. When inflammation in your mouth is not kept under control, it can spread throughout other parts of the body such as your heart or kidneys.
3. Drink Plenty of Water
One of the simplest and most beneficial ways to ensure healthy teeth and gums is drinking plenty of water. Not only does it quench thirst, but also supports several essential bodily functions without adding calories or fat, making it a no brainer!
By drinking plenty of water, you are keeping your mouth moist and providing it with saliva that fights tooth decay by washing away sugar and acid. Furthermore, water helps remineralize enamel with calcium, phosphate and fluoride for enhanced protection against cavities.
Saliva also neutralizes acids from bacteria, which can lead to cavities and gum disease if not kept at bay. If you suffer from xerostomia (dry mouth), your body cannot produce enough saliva for effective cleaning of teeth and preventive dental health.
4. Don’t Smoke
Smoking not only poses risks to your health, but it's also detrimental for your teeth and gums. It has the potential to lead to oral cancer, gum disease, and discoloration of teeth.
Smoking not only causes bad breath that's difficult to mask, but it also dries out the mouth which irritates sinuses and gums, potentially leading to infection.
Researchers from Newcastle University have discovered that those who stop smoking are much less likely to experience premature tooth loss than those who continue smoking, according to their observations. After tracking a group of smokers with gum disease for one year, researchers observed improvements in some symptoms among those who quit.
5. Schedule Regular Checkups
When it comes to the health of your teeth and gums, don't neglect scheduling regular checkups. These appointments can detect potential issues before they become serious, saving you from unnecessary pain and discomfort.
If you check out this dentist in Decatur TX, they'll advise you to visit your dentist at least twice a year.
Furthermore, your provider can detect changes since your last visit that could be concerning and suggest steps to help avoid them.
These checkups enable your doctor to monitor your health, detect any changes in blood pressure or cholesterol, and ensure that all medications are working as intended.
Regular testing can improve your health and help you to avoid life-threatening diseases like cancer. Early detection is key for many treatment methods to be successful.
Toronto cosmetic dental clinic called The Art of Dentistry specializes in helping patients maintain their beautiful smiles by providing quality care and advice on how to maintain healthy teeth and gums. With their experienced and knowledgeable staff, you can rest assured that you will receive top-notch care. From regular checkups to specialized treatments, The Art of Dentistry can help you with all of your dental needs.
You can find them at the address:
Art of Dentistry
25 Bellair St, Toronto,
ON M5R 2C8,
(416) 927-7677.
