Healthy teeth and gums are essential for living an active, happy life. You can keep yours in good shape by brushing after every meal, flossing at least once a day, avoiding sweets, and seeing your dentist for regular exams and cleanings. The efforts you put forth today will lead to improved dental health tomorrow.
Why Brushing is So Basic
You probably don’t think of your mouth as a dangerous place; but in many ways it is. We’re talking about harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease.
Dental medicine knows of no way to remove these malicious micro-organisms from your mouth entirely; they’re a normal part of nature. But it is possible to keep them under control through daily brushing. Here are some toothbrush tips to keep in mind:
- Follow the 2×2 rule: you should brush 2-3 times a day for a full two minutes each time.
- Clean all sides of the teeth: including the front, back, and chewing surfaces.
- Keep a fresh toothbrush: a good rule of thumb is to replace your toothbrush every 60-90 days or whenever it starts to look frayed.
- Stick with ADA accepted products: look for the ADA seal of acceptance on the packaging when it comes to toothbrushes and toothpaste. That’s an easy way to know that you’re investing in a quality product.
Floss for Good Effect
Brushing by itself is essential. But alone it can never remove all the plaque and tartar that lead to cavities. Flossing gets into those hard-to-reach spots like between teeth, giving your oral hygiene efforts an added edge. Here’s how to get the most benefit from flossing:
- Use the right floss product: floss string comes in a variety to thicknesses to match almost every oral profile. You can also use an interdental toothbrush or water stream flossing device, commonly referred to as a “water pik.”
- Move the floss string up and down the side of the tooth: some people make the mistake of working the string in a back-and-forth motion only. This leaves large amounts of plaque behind.
- Use a fresh length of string for each tooth: otherwise you may re-deposit the plaque you just removed.
Eat with Your Gums in Mind
You are what you eat. That goes double for your gums. Your body needs plenty of protein from lower-fat sources such as chicken or turkey breast, lean cuts of beef, or plant-based foods like tofu and beans.
As for sweets, they’re fine every now and then. But they can also give cavity-causing bacteria the energy they need to wreak havoc with your oral health. You may want to try eating your dessert along with your main course, not by itself at the end. This helps the sugar to move past your mouth and into your stomach.
Taking care of your teeth and gums is one of the smartest investments anyone can make. Use the tips in this post as your guide as you make smart daily decisions for your dental health. You’ll soon be enjoying healthier days and happier smiles.
About the Author
Dr. Stephen Boyles is a second-generation dentist and a member of the American Dental Association. He’s proud to be working alongside his father Dr. Franklin Boyles in providing outstanding dental care to the people of our area. You can reach his office online or by calling (432) 685-7011.