How To Keep Your Teeth And Gums Healthy?

Healthy teeth, gums, jawbone, and mouth enhances your bite function, speech, aesthetics, self-esteem, and overall quality of life. In this article, let’s discuss effective strategies for caring for your mouth to maintain strong teeth and gums and achieve a healthy smile.

Brushing and Flossing

Daily brushing and flossing are the key foundation for oral hygiene.

Brushing : Dental experts recommend brushing your teeth, tongue, and mouth twice daily, for at least two minutes at a time. It helps remove bacteria, plaque, and other debris from the mouth, reducing the risk of oral infections like decay, cavities, and periodontal disease.

You should use a toothbrush and hold it at a 45-degrees angle to the gums. Use gentle, circular motions to brush all the surfaces of your teeth.

Flossing : While often underrated, flossing is as important as brushing. It helps remove plaque and debris between your teeth and along the gum line, reducing bacterial buildup. You can use a floss threader or interdental brush to floss, especially before brushing.

Choose the right toothpaste and toothbrush.

When brushing, ensure you get a soft-bristled brush. Avoid hard-bristled or worn-out brushes as they can erode the teeth and irritate the gums, causing decay and gum disease. Ensure you replace your brush every three to four months or sooner for effective brushing.

When it comes to toothpaste, there are numerous toothpaste brands and formulas like fluoride, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide. Unfortunately, some toothpaste contains harsh ingredients that can erode your teeth’ enamel and irritate the gums, causing decay and gum disease.

If possible, use fluoride-based toothpaste to remineralize and strengthen your teeth. Also, ensure the toothpaste has the ADA or other reputable seal of approval on the packaging.

Use mouthwash.

You can use fluoride and antimicrobial mouthwash, especially after meals or brushing, to minimize plaque, strengthen teeth, freshen your breath, and promote overall well-being. Avoid abrasive and alcohol-based.

Adopt a mouth-healthy diet.

Foods can negatively or positively impact your oral and overall health. For instance, hard, sticky, acidic, sugary, and crunchy foods like sweets, sodas, juices, candies, and pastries can contribute to decay, dental trauma, and gum disease. Choose healthy and nutrient-rich foods like milk, yogurt, cheese, fruits and vegetables, fish, and nuts to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Avoid or limit tobacco and alcohol.

Tobacco and alcohol abuse increases the risk of decay, gum disease, oral cancer, stains, tooth loss, and other oral conditions. Consider avoiding or limiting tobacco and alcoholic products to maintain oral health.

Regular dental check-ups and cleanings

Even without oral issues, routine dental exams and professional cleaning are crucial for healthy teeth, gums, and mouth. These visits allow your dentist to assess your mouth and detect potential issues early to prevent future complications.

Similarly, the dentist also cleans your teeth, gums, and mouth to remove tartar, plaque, surface stains, and debris, reducing your risk of periodontal disease and decay. Visit our dental hygienist near me for professional teeth whitening and checkups.

Stay hydrated.

Proper hydration is essential to keep your mouth moist and reduce bacterial infections. Drinking water regularly helps wash away bacteria, plaque, food debris, and acids from the mouth, helping you maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Wear a mouthguard.

If you grind your teeth or engage in high-impact sports, a mouthguard may be essential to protect your teeth and mouth from damage or trauma. If possible, get a custom-made mouthguard for maximum protection and comfort.

Maintain good overall health.

Certain health factors can affect your mouth, increasing your risk of oral conditions and diseases. For instance, high-stress levels can contribute to teeth grinding and sleep apnea, greatly compromising oral health. Similarly, health issues like obesity and diabetes can increase your risk of gum disease. Good techniques for maintaining overall health include eating a healthy diet, exercising, managing stress, and seeking medical care for existing health conditions.

When to see our dentist in West San Jose

Common signs and symptoms that should prompt you to see a dentist for dental care include:

• Mild to severe tooth pain
• Tooth sensitivity to heat, cold, and sugar
• Swollen, red, sore, or bleeding gums
• Gum recession
• Loose or falling teeth
• Pain when biting down or chewing
• Loose or ill-fitting dental restorations like dentures
• Abnormal sores, lumps, and patches on oral tissues
• Painful or locked jaw

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Do you need more tips about caring for your teeth and gums? Or would you like to schedule your next dental checkup? Contact Neeshat S. Khan, DDS, to book your consultation with our dentist near me.