How to Have Healthy Teeth and Gums: 9 Effective Tips: Did you know that only 67.6% of Americans go to the dentist on an annual basis?
Considering that we’re the nation of the “Hollywood Smile” to the point where we technically exported it to the rest of the globe, these are stunningly low numbers.
The truth is that healthy teeth and gums can directly affect your entire physical health, including the prevention of heart diseases and other disorders. This isn’t a vanity issue. It’s a health issue.
So, if you’ve been looking for ways to keep teeth healthy, no worries, we’ve got you covered. Keep on reading for our full breakdown of the main nine tips that will have your dentist looking at you with pride during your next visit.
1. Achieving Healthy Teeth and Gums: See the Dentist Bi-Annually
Let’s start with the basics of preventative health when it comes to your teeth and gums. Seeing the dentist (at least) once a year, preferably twice a year, is the driving force behind good oral health.
To maintain your oral health, we suggest getting a teeth cleaning and oral checkup every six months. Dental hygienists will be able to scrape plaque and tartar away during teeth cleaning gently.
Tartar can only be removed by a dentist after plaque has hardened into tartar. Tartar accumulation, if left untreated, increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. If you’re wondering what is preventative dentistry, you can check out that article for an in-depth look.
2. Cut Down on Sugary Drinks and Food
Do you ever have a fuzzy or gritty feeling in your teeth? If this is the case, you may be leaving dental plaque on your teeth. Plaque adores sugar and converts it to cavity-causing acid. After consuming sugary meals, you may see the plaque on your teeth.
It’s important to read labels at the supermarket since many items that we consider “healthy” are really harmful to our teeth. Some yogurt varieties, for example, may contain a lot of sugar.
Sports beverages, on the other hand, often have more sugar than the typical person realizes. It would be simpler for you to prevent oral health problems if you limit sugary meals and beverages.
3. Religiously Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
By the American Dental Association’s recommendations, you should wash your teeth twice a day. Make sure you brush for at least two minutes to ensure that you have adequate time to clean all of your teeth thoroughly.
If you wash your teeth with one foot out the door every time, you may be leaving plaque behind on the back teeth, which are more difficult to reach while brushing. Individuals who hurry through their daily routines are more likely to acquire cavities in their rear teeth.
4. Incorporate Fluoride Into Your Oral Health Routine
Fluoride is derived from the element fluorine, which is found in the earth’s soil. Fluoride is a popular component in toothpaste and mouthwash because many experts think it helps prevent cavities.
On the other hand, some dental products don’t include fluoride, and some individuals don’t use it at all.
Even if a person takes good care of their teeth, evidence indicates that a lack of fluoride may contribute to tooth decay. According to a new study, brushing and flossing do not protect a person against cavities if they do not use fluoride.
Fluoride has been added to the water supply in several towns throughout the United States. The World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) all endorse this practiceTrusted Source.
People may contact their local authority to find out whether the water in their region contains fluoride. Reverse osmosis water filters remove fluoride. Therefore individuals who use well water should check the fluoride levels to see how much is present.
5. Floss Your Teeth Daily
Plaque enjoys hiding in places that toothbrush bristles can’t reach. That’s why flossing once a day is critical for removing plaque between teeth and along the gum line.
Flossing will help you prevent cavities from developing between your teeth, so you won’t be surprised when you come in for your next teeth cleaning and oral checkup.
6. Don’t Smoke
The immune system is harmed by smoking, making it harder for the body to repair tissues, including those in the mouth. The CDC lists smoking as a risk factor for gum disease, and the American Dental Association warns that smokers may suffer delayed healing following dental procedures.
Smoking also harms the mouth’s look, causing yellowing of the teeth and palate and giving breath a foul stench.
7. Use a Mouthwash
Certain mouthwashes have been shown in trials to be beneficial to oral health.
According to one study, mouthwash with the antibacterial component chlorhexidine helps reduce plaque and gingivitis. According to a meta-analysis, mouthwashes containing certain essential oils are also beneficial.
People may want to consult with their dentist to determine which mouthwash is best for them. Mouthwash is not a replacement for brushing and flossing, but it may help to supplement these habits.
Online mouthwashes are usually offered to assist with foul breath and dental issues.
8. Add in a Daily Dose of Calcium
It would help if you consumed calcium regularly to assist in maintaining dental health.
If you don’t like drinking milk, you may get your calcium from various sources, such as cheese, yogurt, and broccoli, among other things.
9. Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly
Toothbrushes do not last indefinitely. Occasionally, the bristles may break down, making them less effective.
You should replace your toothbrush at least once every three to four months or as soon as you recover from an illness, just as an added sanitary precaution.
Ready to Have Perfect Teeth?
If you haven’t been doing the majority of the tips we just outlined, then we can assure you that you’ll be noticing a big difference in your oral health in just a couple of months.
We hope that our article highlighted how to get healthy teeth and gums in a simple way.
But, if there are a couple of points that you’re still not sure about their efficacy, we invite you to check out our additional dental tips and tricks. You’ll find more information in our health section.
