Effective Ways to Maintain the Teeth and Gums
The Value of Brushing
Brushing is not simply something to be done in the morning and at night. It is critical to the health of the teeth and gums to brush teeth in the proper manner, at the most effective angle. Dentists and hygienists recommend to brush teeth with a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward the gum line. Small, slow circles should be used to gently slide the toothbrush bristles up under the gum line, removing plaque, bacteria and any food debris left behind.
It is important not to brush teeth too hard, as this could cause tissue damage and contribute to gum recession. Remember, it is not how hard you brush, but rather how thorough you are. Bleeding during brushing is not normal. Any areas that continue to bleed upon brushing should be evaluated by your dentist or periodontist.
The Importance of Flossing
Flossing in between all of the teeth should occur at least once daily, and is a very important aspect of homecare. Failing to floss in between the teeth is akin to not brushing those areas. Since toothbrush bristles are too big to fit down into the spaces between the teeth, the use of dental floss is essential to effectively remove plaque, bacteria and food debris. Flossing should be thorough and under the gum line, as bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease like to hide in these hard to reach areas.
To be most effective, consider the following tips when flossing each day:
- The dental floss should be wrapped around the middle finger of each hand, leaving about a one inch space in between.
- Use a back-and-forth motion to access the surfaces in between the teeth, and wrap the floss around the tooth as much as possible.
- Gently slide the floss up and down, as far beneath the gum line it will go, several times to ensure thorough cleansing of the area.
- Any areas that bleed upon flossing should receive further attention during the homecare routine, and evaluation by your dentist or periodontist if the condition persists.
How to Prevent the Onset and Progression of Oral Disease
Regular Cleanings and Checkups Are a Necessity
Keeping regular cleanings and checkups is a cornerstone of preventing the onset and progression of oral disease. While plaque can be removed with a toothbrush and dental floss, tartar cannot. Tartar, essentially, is calcified plaque and must be mechanically removed from tooth surfaces during dental cleanings to maintain oral health. If left to accumulate, tartar will irritate the gum tissues and can even make brushing and flossing less effective (particularly if large deposits located between the teeth block the entrance of dental floss into the area). Both plaque and tartar provide an environment in which destructive bacteria thrive. Having your teeth cleaned as recommended by your dentist and periodontist helps to prevent the occurrence and advancement of both tooth decay and gum disease.
Regular checkups are a necessity as well, and typically occur during the same appointments as your cleanings. Checkups, or periodic examinations, involve the following:
- Thorough evaluation of the teeth for damage, mobility or decay
- Soft tissue examination with periodontal charting and gum health assessment
- X-rays (typically taken annually) to determine bone and tooth health
- Oral cancer screening to detect any suspicious lesions or abnormalities
Identifying and treating tooth decay, gum disease or suspicious lesions in the mouth as early as possible helps avoid the need for more extensive treatment in the future and prevent the condition from worsening.
Stop Smoking, and Improve Your Oral and Overall Health
Tobacco use is not only harmful to the lungs and other organs of the body, it has a serious impact on the mouth and throat. Tobacco contains numerous carcinogens known to cause cancer throughout the body. Using any type of tobacco significantly increases your chances of developing oral and throat cancer, among other conditions.
Smoking tobacco impacts the gums by restricting blood flow to these areas, which decreases the ability of the vessels to provide much needed nutrients and healing properties to maintain gum health. As a result of this immune system impairment, smoking is a risk factor for gum disease, and can increase the severity of the disease if the habit is continued. Smoking tobacco also dries out oral tissues, affecting the ability of the saliva to cleanse the teeth naturally. When this occurs, plaque, bacteria and food particles tend to remain in the mouth for longer periods of time, elevating the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
For help with smoking cessation, contact your dentist or periodontist today.
Drink Water to Prevent Oral Disease
Proper saliva flow in the mouth is essential to gum and tooth health. The body is comprised of nearly 75 percent water, which provides the necessary hydration for the body to function. When the mouth lacks proper hydration, the reduced saliva flow affects oral structures. Bacteria, plaque and food debris are allowed to stay in contact with the teeth and gums for longer periods of time, providing greater opportunity to infect or break down these tissues.
Medical and dental experts constantly advise patients to drink water for improved and sustained health. To ensure a healthy body and decrease your risk of tooth decay and gum disease, make certain to drink water in sufficient quantities daily.
Incorporate Dental Appointments Into Your Life
The best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong is to incorporate regular dental appointments into your life and stick to a thorough oral hygiene regimen at home. For more information on proper homecare techniques, assistance with smoking cessation or other tips on how to maintain oral health and prevent disease progression, contact your dentist or periodontist today.