Did you know that by taking care of your teeth and gums you can actually increase your lifespan by 23-46% over people who don’t, and that people who have gum disease are “25% more likely to have a heart attack” than people who have healthy teeth and gums? Statistics like these bring home the reality that taking care of your teeth and gums throughout your lifetime is about much more than fresh breath and a beautiful smile.

Having healthy teeth and gums is not a complicated process; it includes good oral hygiene, a healthy diet and regular dental visits. Even people who have a propensity to tooth decay or gum disease can stop them in their tracks with a good system of dental care.

A healthy diet that is free of sugary snacks will help prevent tooth decay since cavities are created when the bacteria in your mouth combine with sugar from the foods you eat to create an acid that attacks the enamel on your teeth. If you do succumb to a sugary treat now and then, brush your teeth after your snack to remove any residual sugar.

Along with a healthy diet, good daily oral hygiene habits can keep your teeth and gums healthy. Good oral hygiene consists of brushing your teeth at least twice a day (after every meal is even better) and cleaning between your teeth with dental floss or an interdental cleaner at least once a day.

First of all, the way you brush your teeth is important…take your time…after all, you have 32 teeth to clean and it is imperative that your toothbrush cleans every one of those teeth. Here are some suggestions to ensure that your teeth get a good brushing every time:

-Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle along your gum line.

-With a circular motion, move your brush back and forth across every surface of each tooth…front, back, side and top.

-Don’t forget to brush along your gum line and to brush your tongue as well so that you remove any bacteria hiding in those areas.

After brushing your teeth, clean your toothbrush with water and store it in an upright position to allow it to dry. And don’t forget to replace your toothbrush at a minimum of every three to four months so that the bristles don’t get so worn that they can’t adequately clean your teeth. Your dentist can recommend the best type of toothbrush for you.

Before going to bed at night, after you have brushed your teeth, take time to floss. If you use dental floss, pull off 18 inches of floss and pinch it between your thumbs and index fingers, keeping the floss tight as you guide it between your teeth, sliding it up and down along the edge of each tooth and under the gum line. Use gentle pressure and movement and use a new section of floss for each tooth. If you use an interdental cleaner, follow the directions on the package or talk to your dental hygienist about proper use of the cleaner.

Along with a healthy diet and good oral hygiene habits, regular trips to your dentist will prevent tooth decay and gum disease, or stop them in their tracks if they do get started. Without regular dental visits, any plaque that remains in your mouth can turn to tartar, which can only be removed by using special dental tools and processes. Even with perfect oral hygiene habits, some plaque can still remain on your teeth, which means tartar buildup is always a possibility and tartar can cause gum disease (also known as periodontal disease). Gum disease can only be detected by a dental professional until it has gotten so bad it’s causing damage to your gums and your overall oral health. Regular dental visits give your dental professionals the opportunity to find any dental issues and repair them, bringing your teeth and gums back to a healthy state.

You can have healthy teeth and gums for life by simply watching what you eat, practicing good daily oral hygiene and visiting your dentist two to four times a year…whatever your dentist recommends is best for your total oral health.

Author Bio: After graduating as a DMD in 1988 Dr. Vito Clarizio started his own practice in Whitestone, NY and has been in private practice here for over 20 years. He is loved by both his patients and his staff. His core staff has been with him since the beginning of the practice. http://whitestonegentledentist.com

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: healthy teeth, dental care, personal care, oral hygiene, dental health, gum disease