Smiling like sunshine? Your bright, beaming smile shows that you make an effort and take care of your oral health. It is a reflection of having healthy dental habits where you ensure both your teeth and gums remain strong. Now, if your parents instilled the importance of effective dental healthcare in you as a child, then you believe in its power more than ever.
After all, what we are taught as children stays with us for life. Preventive measures can help alleviate oral issues such as gum disease and cavities. A study conducted by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research discovered that ninety-one percent of participants (between the ages of twenty to sixty-four) have been the victims of cavities.
Also according to this dentist in Seattle, an additional 27% suffered from tooth decay. Hence, the vitality of regular and effectual dental healthcare cannot be emphasized enough.
Let’s not forget our gums!
Just because you may be free from the clutches of cavities does not mean you have escaped from the claws of gum disease. There is no pain associated with this kind of illness and usually goes undetected.
It can commence its destruction when there is an increased occurrence of plaque underneath and along the side of the gum line. It can be detrimental to your gums as plaque is a pasty film-type substance that contains bacteria and can create infections.
Gingivitis, the preliminary stages of gum disease, can be caused because of plaque build up as well. In this oral state, your gums will tend to bleed, turn red, be tender, be swollen and be inflamed.
Periodontitis, an advanced kind of gum illness, can also cause your entire body harm as it has an adverse impact on the bones that connect your teeth in their respective places. If you do not undergo relevant treatment, it can destroy your gums, your connected tissue to the teeth and your bones.
And when the terminal phase is reached, your fibers and linking bones will deplete completely. It will affect the way you take a simple bite and may require the removal of all your teeth. If you constantly feel your gums are bleeding, red or that you have bad breath, it could be a sign that you have gum disease and require care.
Do not worry, we have your back and are here to recommend five simple yet effective steps to ensure the safety of your teeth and gums.
Brushing Your Teeth
It is advised to strive to brush your teeth at least twice a day, especially before you call it a night and decide to go to bed. It will prevent any form of acid affecting the enamel of your teeth that can lead to tooth decay. Hold your brush along your gum line and position its bristles at a forty-five degree angle.
Use an up-down, back and forth action to brush the outside area of your teeth and be gentle as you go along. You do not want to cause any bleeding! Invest in a timer and set it for two minutes with thirty second intervals to move on to different sections of your mouth.
Do not forget to brush the top of your mouth as well as your tongue to get rid of any bacteria that may have formed. One extra little tip: always rinse your toothbrush with water every time before and after you use it. Using a fluoride-based toothpaste will sweeten the deal.
Eat Healthy
Nutrition is an essential part of who we are as it effects our bodies and minds. A lot of edible items contain a high volume of sugar that creates a reaction when it comes into contact with any bacteria present in our mouths. This can lead to the existence of cavities and tooth decay.
Go for healthier dairy alternatives such as cheese, milk and yoghurt. Their consumption decreases plaque increments and cleanses our mouths of any harmful sugars. Avoid drinking fizzy beverages as well if you desire a strong and healthy mouth. Make sure you drink a lot of water as that helps to wash away cavities and acids.
Fan of snacking? Carry celery, apples, and carrots with you. They actually purify your mouth from any food residue.
Visit Your Dentist
Paying a visit to your dentist on a frequent basis will go a long way in ensuring your oral healthcare. Scheduling an appointment every six months is an effective means to achieving this. As you sit on the dentist’s chair and allow him access to your mouth, he will conduct a comprehensive examination and check for any cavities as well as the health of your gums.
Some of the things he may keep an eye out for would include any teeth that are damaged, look for symptoms of oral cancer, diabetes, decay, and any dearth of vitamins and minerals. Don’t fret if he takes an x-Ray of your teeth as that is a normal practice in the field of medicine.
Floss Properly
Yes, flossing is an imperative part of good dental healthcare. If you are able to floss properly, you will be able to access internal areas of your mouth where your toothbrush cannot go. Take about eighteen inches of the dental floss and place it between your middle fingers and have a tight grip on two inches of it between your thumb and forefingers.
Guide the floss in between your teeth with the help of your fingers gently and curve it against your gum line. Let it brush the sides of your teeth and make sure you use a clean portion of the floss as you go through the motions.
Don’t Consume Tobacco
You may know that the utilization of products such as cigarettes can be detrimental to your overall health. It can cause your teeth to stain, infect your gums and cause bad breath. On a more serious note, it can lead to the development of tongue, lip and mouth cancer as well as lead to heart problems.
