As long as taking care of your mouth’s health is concerned, there’s more to it than just straight teeth and a beautiful smile. The most overlooked part is our gums. Even though you might have chompers as bright as pearls, that doesn’t protect you from gum diseases. Gum diseases are usually painless and hence people don’t get any idea about what’s wrong with their gums until things get out of control.
According to a Beenleigh dentist, everyone should practice oral hygiene and this is the best habit that a person should learn in order to treat different sorts of gum diseases What should you do in order to maintain oral hygiene? Here are a few steps that you should take.
- Brush your teeth regularly
The key to healthy gums and mouth is brushing your teeth properly. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), here are the guidelines that should be followed:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush at least twice a day
- Brush your teeth at an angle of 45-degree to the gums
- Make sure you replace the brush within 3-4 months
- Use short strokes while brushing your teeth.
- Flossing is a must
There are several people who don’t floss daily but the ADA says that flossing is a habit that is a vital part of oral care. Flossing eliminates plaque and food that is stuck between your gums and teeth. If you don’t wash your mouth properly and the food remains in between these areas, this leads to tartar. Gum diseases happen due to the build-up of tartar and plaque.
- Select the right toothpaste
Once you visit the supermarket’s toothpaste aisle, you’ll find a wide variety of toothpaste that claim to be the best in their own way. While some will have the best whitening products, some others will contain baking soda. This is where you have to take a wise decision about choosing the right one. Your toothpaste should contain fluoride and it should be approved by the ADA.
- Quit smoking
You must have heard several reasons for quitting smoking but this is another reason to stop smoking tobacco. ADA believes tobacco to have a strong connection with the onset of gum diseases. You must be aware of the fact that smoking damages your immune system and hence it makes it difficult to fight gum diseases. Smoking also makes it tough for your gums to heal as they get damaged.
- Buy a mouthwash with therapeutic properties
These mouthwashes are available over-the-counter. Buy the best therapeutic mouthwashes to prevent diseases like gingivitis, cure plaque, and diminish the speed at which tartar develops. The ADA also recommends rinsing your mouth with a therapeutic mouthwash as it eliminates all debris and food particles from your mouth. However, this can’t be a substitute for brushing and flossing.
Therefore, if you’re serious about your gum health, you should follow the advice given above. Schedule a session with a dentist once every six months.
