Over one in four adults in the US have untreated tooth decay. This occurs when you allow plaque to build up on your teeth. It eats away at your teeth’s enamel (ts protective surface) and causes irreparable damage.
The only way to combat tooth decay and other mouth diseases is by caring for your teeth. But there is so much misinformation out there about how to have healthy teeth and gums. It’s difficult to know what advice to follow when it’s conflicting.
Don’t sweat, these are the most important tips for healthy teeth and gums you should follow. It’s the only advice on how to have healthy gums and teeth that you’ll ever need!
1. Brush Your Teeth
Brush your teeth. Wow. What a groundbreaking tip, right?
It’s not so much the act of brushing your teeth as it is how you brush your teeth. You likely already know you should brush your teeth twice a day. But did you know it’s best to brush your teeth in the morning before you eat your breakfast?
You should also switch to an electric toothbrush with a round, soft-bristled head. Move the brush in small, circular movements rather than back and forth to guarantee the bristles reach every crevice of your teeth.
2. Make Regular Dentist Appointments
One of the best tips for healthy teeth and gums is to visit your dentist. Only by booking regular check-ups can you be sure that you don’t have tooth decay or gum disease.
Plus, a cosmetic dentist will be able to help you with teeth whitening, straightening, and other procedures to enhance your smile.
3. Use Mouthwash and Floss
Flossing and using mouthwash are essential to a healthy mouth. Your toothbrush cannot clean your gums or the gaps between your teeth so these tools fulfill those jobs.
Use mouthwash once a day. Around lunchtime is best because it will bridge the gap between brushing your teeth. Don’t rinse your mouth out after you use toothpaste or mouthwash as you want to keep the protective fluoride in your mouth for as long as possible.
Use floss or an interdental toothbrush once a day before you brush your teeth. Then, the toothpaste from brushing will be able to reach parts of your teeth that the food stuck in your gaps would block.
4. Avoid Alcohol, Sugar, and Smoking
Alcohol, sugar, and cigarettes are very harmful to your teeth and gums. Quit smoking if you can and limit your consumption of alcohol and sugar. If you do eat or drink a lot of sugar, be extra vigilant about brushing your teeth afterward.
Use These Tips for Healthy Teeth and Gums
You only get one set of teeth and gums to last you a lifetime, so look after them well. And if you follow these tips for healthy teeth and gums, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy a healthy mouth and beautiful smile for years to come.
Dental hygiene is so important, but there are other types of hygiene you should learn more about too. Check out some of our health articles to discover more!
