To protect your teeth and prevent gum disease, daily dental hygiene is a must. Keeping an annual appointment to see a dentist is also recommended.
We only get one set of adult teeth. If we don’t take care of them, it can lead to issues impacting our health and self-esteem. In addition, corrective dental work is expensive, so it makes sense to become proactive in caring for our teeth.
Gum disease is easily prevented. Please keep reading to learn how to care for your teeth in our essential dental care guide.
Anyone Can Experience Gum Disease
Gum disease is a disease of opportunity. It’s directly tied to dental hygiene and the foods we eat. Of course, lower-income individuals and people without dental insurance are at a higher risk.
However, we all can do things to decrease the risk, and they don’t put a strain on our budget. All it requires is discipline and remembering that we must care for our gums the same as other parts of the body.
Click here to learn more about the early signs of gum disease.
Brush Your Teeth Two Times a Day
The first step to good dental hygiene is brushing our teeth at least twice a day. Then, if you’re able, brush them following each meal. This is particularly important after eating sweets.
Not all food will harm your teeth and gums, but things like candy and sodas can take a toll over time.
Most important, failing to brush your teeth will allow bacteria to build in the mouth, which leads to gum disease.
Floss Following Each Meal
When you can’t brush your teeth following each meal, the next best thing to do is floss. It only takes a few minutes, and you can do it anywhere. Carry dental floss in your pocket or handbag.
Flossing is essential to oral health and preventing gum disease because it helps remove food particles that contribute to plaque build-up.
Cut Down on Sweets, Acidic Foods, and Drinks
Food high in acid and sugar, like fruit juice and caffeinated drinks, can damage the enamel on your teeth and cause gum disease. Monitoring your food intake isn’t only about maintaining your weight. The food we eat impacts our overall health.
Too often people think the mouth is used break down foods before it enters the digestive system. Unfortunately, if the mouth isn’t adequately maintained, the damage begins before the food enters the body.
Use the Right Toothpaste and Mouthwash
One way to ensure dental care between visits to the dentist is to use the right toothpaste and mouthwash. When reading labels, keep “anti-” in mind. You want a product that fights plaque, bacteria, and gingivitis.
In a toothpaste, look for these ingredients: calcium phosphate, sodium fluoride, and stannous fluoride.
Go Ahead and Show Your Beautiful Smile
Gum disease can lead to tooth loss. Preventive maintenance is vital to maintaining a beautiful smile. Follow these tips for safe dental care.
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