Oral Health Tips for Teeth and Gum Care

Teeth play a vital role in everyone's daily lives. They help to chew, digest food, pronounce different sounds clearly, as well as give the face its shape. Healthy teeth and gums are a great asset. No one wants to have bleeding gums or a bad odor, or their teeth taken out as a result of tooth decay.
 

Good oral hygiene is vital for healthy teeth and gums. Good oral hygiene can also help prevent most dental problems that can cause pain and eventually tooth loss. Here are some tips on how you can take care of your teeth:
 

Brush Your Teeth

Dentists advise that you brush your teeth after every meal or at least twice a day. Brushing your teeth removes food debris and plaque trapped in the teeth. The toothbrush should have soft bristles and should comfortably fit in the mouth. Ensure you are gentle while brushing your teeth.
 

Brushing aggressively can cause damage to the tooth enamel and hurt the gums. It is advisable that you change toothbrush every two to three months or when the bristles start to fray. In addition, ensure that you gently scrub the tongue. The tongue harbors bacteria and this is why you might still have a bad odor even after brushing.


 

Use the Correct Technique to Brush Your Teeth

Even if you brush your teeth twice a day, you can still have plaque, bad breath, and other oral health problems. This is mostly because you are not doing it right. Using the proper brushing techniques will ensure that any food debris trapped in between your teeth is removed. It will also assist in the removal of plaque and the overall prevention of diseases.


 

Use Fluoride Toothpaste

Since there are so many brands on the market, buying toothpaste can be difficult. Dentists recommend that you use a toothpaste containing fluoride. Fluoride creates a protective barrier on your teeth, which reduces the risk of tooth decay.


 

Floss

You must floss at least once a day. This helps to clean out food debris stuck in spaces that the toothbrush cannot reach. Additionally, flossing helps to stimulate the gums, lower inflammation, and reduce plaque.


 

Use Mouthwash

Ensure you swish mouthwash vigorously for thirty seconds twice daily. Mouthwash helps reduce plaque, avoid gingivitis, and slow the formation of tartar. It may be challenging to find a mouthwash that works for you especially if you have sensitive teeth. You can ask your dentist to recommend a mouthwash that would be best for you.


 

Visit a Dentist at Least Twice a Year

Dentists recommend that you visit them at least twice a year for a checkup. Your teeth will be cleaned and any cavities will be treated before they get worse.


 

Limit Sugary and Acidic Foods

Eating high-sugar foods regularly can be detrimental to your teeth. Sugar is converted to acid in the mouth by bacteria and this breaks down the enamel. Tea, coffee, and acidic foods also wear the teeth down. It is difficult to eliminate these foods, so limiting your intake is the best option.



 

For more information on oral health tips for teeth and gum care visit Today's Family Dental at our office in Tampa, Florida. You can also call (813) 370-1700 or (813) 212-8700  to book an appointment today.