Good oral hygiene is the most important measure for people to prevent and treat gum disease. When it comes to oral health, most people ignore their gums and instead focus on the brilliant white smile.
The following habits will help people properly care for their teeth and gums, thereby helping to prevent gum disease. Local dentist can help you in oral hygiene.
Brushing Your Teeth Correctly is the Key to a Healthy Mouth and Gums.
The guidelines laid down by the American Dental Association (ADA) are:
- Brush teeth with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day.
- Replace the toothbrush every 3-4 months, or more frequently when the bristles are worn out.
- Make an angle of 45 degrees to the gums while brushing.
- Move the toothbrush in a short stroke.
- Brush gently.
- Turn the toothbrush vertically and brush lightly along each tooth a few times, brushing the inside of the front teeth.
Do Not Miss Out on the Flossing Part
Many people neglect to use dental floss every day, but ADA believes that dental flossing is an integral part of oral care. Dental floss can remove food debris and dental plaque between teeth and gums. If food and dental plaque remain in these areas, it can lead to the formation of tartar, a large piece of bacteria. So, the use of Tartar can cause gum disease.
Cleanse Your Mouth Regularly
Many people rinse their mouths after brushing their teeth; however, oral hygiene habits must be complemented by the effectiveness of fluoride-containing products such as toothpaste. If a person rinses their mouth with water after brushing their teeth with fluoride toothpaste, they will remove fluoride. Conversely, gargling after meals can remove the food and bacteria that cause plaque and tartar to build up.
Use Mouthwashes After Brushing
According to the ADA, there are two kinds of mouthwashes: medicinal and cosmetic. Both can be used without a prescription. Medicated mouthwashes can help to reduce:
- Prevent gum disease
- Tartar accumulation
- Plaque on teeth
- Food residue from the mouth.
However, people should not use mouthwash instead of brushing and flossing.
Choosing the Right Toothpaste
There are many types of toothpaste in the toothpaste section of most stores, from whitening products to baking soda formulas. When choosing a toothpaste, you should make sure it contains fluoride and has an ADA approval seal on the packaging.
Visit Your Concerned Doctor Regularly
Dental examinations usually include professional oral cleaning. Tartar can only be removed from the teeth by professional teeth whitening. Professional tooth brushing can also help remove plaque that people may miss when brushing their teeth. Through regular visits, your dentist can help identify early signs of gum disease and gingivitis, which can cause inflammation of the gums. So, Early detection can help prevent more severe problems.
Quit Smoking
According to reliable sources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking weakens the immune system, making people more susceptible to gum disease. The CDC recommends quitting smoking immediately to reduce the risk of gum disease. Other tobacco products can also increase a person's risk.
Even with good oral hygiene, aging and genetics can cause gum loss. Talk to your dentist about using natural and traditional remedies to stop or slow down the process.