Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, minimizing sugary snacks, eliminating smoking habits, and eating a balanced diet all promote good dental health. Your oral health offers clues about your overall health. Poor oral health can contribute to heart disease and pneumonia. Schedule regular check-ups to keep your smile, and yourself, healthy
Consider these brushing and flossing basics from the Mayo Clinic:
- Brush your teeth twice a day. Take about two minutes to do a thorough job. Don’t brush right after eating, especially if you had something acidic such as grapefruit or soda. Don’t forget to clean your tongue, which harbors bacteria, with a toothbrush or tongue scraper.
- Use the proper equipment. Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Consider using an electric or battery-operated toothbrush, which can reduce plaque and a mild form of gum disease (gingivitis) more than does manual brushing. These devices are also helpful if you have arthritis or other problems that make it difficult to brush effectively.
- Practice good technique. Hold your toothbrush at a slight angle — aiming the bristles toward the area where your tooth meets your gum. Gently brush with circular short back-and-forth motions. Brushing too hard or with hard bristles can hurt your gums.
- Keep your equipment clean. Rinse your toothbrush with water after brushing. Store your toothbrush in an upright position and allow it to air-dry until using it again to prevent bacteria and mold growth. Keep it separate from other toothbrushes in the same holder to prevent cross-contamination.
- Know when to replace your toothbrush. Invest in a new toothbrush or a replacement head for your electric or battery-operated toothbrush every three months — or sooner if the bristles flay or become irregular.
You can’t reach the bacteria in the tight spaces between your teeth and under the gum line with a toothbrush. That’s why daily flossing is important.
When you floss:
- Don’t skimp. Break off about 18 inches of dental floss.
- Be gentle. Don’t snap the floss into your gums. When the floss reaches your gum line, curve it against one tooth, making a c shape.
- Take it one tooth at a time. Use the floss to gently rub the side of the tooth in an up-and-down motion. Use a new piece of floss with each tooth.
- Keep it up. If floss is hard to handle, other options include, dental picks, pre-threaded flosser, tiny brushes, a water flosser, or wooden or silicone wedge plaque remover.
In addition to daily brushing and flossing, consider using a mouthwash containing fluoride to promote oral health.
Resist the temptation to use toothpicks or other objects that could injure your gums and let in bacteria. If you smoke, try to quit. Using tobacco increases your risk of many diseases, including gum disease and tooth loss.
When to see the dentist
To prevent gum disease and other oral health problems, schedule regular dental cleanings and exams that include X-rays. In the meantime, contact your dentist if you notice any signs or symptoms that could suggest oral health problems, such as:
- Red, tender or swollen gums
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Gums that begin pulling away from your teeth
- Loose permanent teeth
- Unusual sensitivity to hot and cold
- Persistent bad breath or an unusual taste in your mouth
- Painful chewing
Remember, early detection and treatment of problems with your gums, teeth and mouth can help ensure a lifetime of good oral health.
Resources: www.mayoclinic.org