The best method to protect your oral health is to follow good habits, like brushing your teeth twice a day and going for a check up to your dentist every 6 months. With experience, we know that patients who have the healthiest smiles understand the importance of teeth and the benefits of preventive dentistry. It is never too late to begin taking care of your oral health, which is why we have curated a list of 7 best tips for getting healthy gums and teeth.
Plaque is an invisible layer of bacteria that sticks to your gums and teeth. Over time, this plaque eats starch and sugar to produce acid. This acid erodes tooth enamel and damages your gums, putting you at risk for oral health problems. Fortunately, our dentists at King Street Dental are able to remove tartar and plaque, and provide advice on maintaining a healthy smile.
Tips for Healthy Teeth and Gums
For maintaining healthy gums and teeth, the best way is to follow an oral hygiene routine. Brushing teeth twice a day and other right dental habits aids in removing plaque so you can prevent gum disease and cavities. Check out our list of 7 healthy teeth tips below:
- Avoid Sugary Drinks and Foods
Have you ever had a feeling of roughness or fuzziness on your teeth? If that is the case, you may be having plaque on your teeth. Plaque loves sugar and utilises it to form cavity-causing acid. You may especially notice plaque on your teeth after having sugary foods.
It’s essential to check labels in the store since a few foods we think are “healthy” aren’t actually good for your teeth. For example, a few flavours of yoghurt can have loads of sugar. Similarly, sports drinks usually contain more sugar than an average individual would think. Limiting sugary drinks and foods will make it simpler for you to prevent oral health problems.
- Brush Teeth Twice a Day
It is recommended that you brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day. Fluoride occurs naturally and has long been regarded for its oral health assistance. In fact, numerous municipalities have fluoridated drinking water to aid in reducing cavities.
Ensure you brush for at least 2 minutes so you get enough time to clean all the teeth. If you always brush your teeth in a hurry, you could be leaving behind plaque on your back teeth that are difficult to reach. It’s common for people to form cavities in their back teeth when they are in a hurry.
- Floss Teeth Once a Day
Plaque loves to hide where toothbrush bristles are unable to reach. That’s the reason it’s so essential you must floss once a day to get rid of plaque hiding along the gum line and between the teeth. Flossing aids to prevent cavities from developing in between teeth so you can avoid a displeasing surprise during your next appointment with your dentist.
- Use Mouth Rinse Once a Day
We suggest using a fluoride mouth rinse to help make the tooth enamel stronger. Using mouth rinse helps wash away any residual food particles or plaque that could remain after flossing and brushing. Your dentist can suggest a brand that works for you.
- Get Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a special coating often applied to freshly erupted molars in children, however, adults can get dental sealants as well. They fill in the fissures and grooves which help keep plaque from forming and causing cavities.
- Avoid Chewing Tobacco, Smoking, & Alcohol
Smoking is one of the most harmful habits to your oral health. Smoking causes tartar/plaque build-up, tooth discolouration, tooth loss, gum disease, and oral cancer. Additionally, it decreases your mouth’s ability to recover after an injury.
Similarly, tobacco and alcohol can be damaging for your oral health. Alcohol dries your mouth, lowering saliva production, which allows plaque and bacteria to flourish. A lot of alcohol is acidic and sugary, which results in tooth decay and, consequently, tooth loss; which is why oral cancer is more likely to develop in people who frequently consume alcohol than in non-drinkers.
- See Dentist Every 6 Months
We recommend you to have an appointment with your dentist for oral examination and teeth cleaning every 6 months to preserve your oral health. During teeth cleaning, the dental hygienists will gently rake away tartar and plaque. After plaque hardens into tartar, it can only be removed by a professional dentist. Tartar buildup raises your risk of gum disease and tooth decay if left untreated.
At King Street Dental, we offer safe and pain-free dental treatment that is affordable and highly effective. We also create tailored treatment plans to match your specific needs. Book an appointment with us today to get treatment in a comfortable environment.