Without healthy teeth and gums, you cannot eat well or enjoy your favorite foods. That is why keeping your teeth and gums strong and healthy is essential as you get older.
Oral health is more than just preventing cavities and gum problems. There is a correlation between your oral health and overall health. If you leave gum problems or tooth decay untreated, you may face tooth loss and issues with self-confidence.
Oral health issues may lead to speech problems, malnutrition, and challenges in your personal life, school, and work. So, if you notice an issue, see a dentist near you immediately.
Below are some easy ways on how to keep your teeth and gums looking their best:
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Practice Regular Brushing, Nor Aggressive
Applying too much pressure when brushing your teeth does not make them sparkly clean. Instead, use the correct way to remove plaque and bacteria while keeping your mouth clean.
According to a Fountain Hills dentist, you must use small circular motions when brushing your teeth, ensuring to brush the top, back, and front of each tooth. You should also avoid using those sawing back-and-forth motions.
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Floss Your Teeth Once Daily
Besides brushing, flossing can also keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. This process removes plaque and bacteria from hard-to-reach areas that toothbrushes can’t get to. It also helps prevent bad breath by removing food particles that were trapped between your teeth.
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Be Gentle In Using Toothpicks
In case you are not comfortable using floss, you can opt for toothpicks. However, you need to be gentle while removing food particles stuck between your teeth. Pressing too hard can cause gum damage or break off the toothpick below your gum-line.
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Replace Your Toothbrush Every 3-4 Months
Your favorite toothbrush will flatten or fray over time. That is why you need to replace your manual toothbrush every 3-4 months and follow the manufacturer’s advice for electric toothbrush heads.
Do you often feel sick? Then, it’s time for you to avoid germs by replacing your old toothbrush.
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Use Fluoride
Fluoride is known to help to prevent cavities. So, it is not surprising why a dentist near you suggests using mouthwash and toothpaste that contain fluoride. Some studies suggest that a lack of fluoride results in tooth decay no matter how you care for your teeth and gums. If you do not use fluoride, brushing and flossing are not enough to prevent you from getting cavities.
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See Your Dentist Regularly
Seeing your dentist every six months for an oral care checkup is advantageous. In the routine dental examination, your teeth are cleaned, and plaque and tartar are removed. The dentist will also check for visual signs of mouth cancer, gum disease, cavities, and other oral health issues. So, visiting a dentist regularly should be part of your oral care routine.
Conclusion
Some people ignore the importance of their oral care or visit a Fountain Hills dentist if their situation is already bad. With the above tips, you have a better chance of keeping your teeth and gums healthy.