The 8 best practices for healthy teeth and gums

However, oral health is about more than tooth decay and gum disease. Research has shown that there is a club between a person’s oral health and their overall health. Experts consider oral health problems to be a global health burden.

Left untreated, tooth decay or gum problems can lead to pain, self-confidence issues and tooth loss. These issues can lead to malnutrition, speech problems, and other challenges in a person’s work, school, or personal life.

People can prevent these problems with proper dental care, both at home and in the dental office. The following are some best practices that can keep teeth and gums healthy.

Most people know that brushing their teeth twice a day is one of the most important practices for removing plaque and bacteria and keeping teeth clean. However, brushing can only be effective if people use the right technique.

People should brush in small circular motions, making sure to brush the front, back and top of each tooth. This process takes 2 to 3 minutes. People should avoid sawing back and forth.

Brushing too hard or using a toothbrush with hard bristles can damage tooth enamel and gums. The results of this can include tooth sensitivity, permanent damage to the tooth’s protective enamel, and gum erosion.

The American Dental Association (ADA) we recommend using a toothbrush that has soft bristles. They also state that people should replace their toothbrush every 3 months or when the tips start to look frayed, whichever comes first.

Fluoride comes from an element in the earth’s soil called fluorine. Many experts believe fluoride helps prevent tooth decay and is a common ingredient in toothpaste and mouthwash.

However, some dental products do not contain fluoride and some people do not use it at all.

Evidence shows that lack of fluoride can lead to tooth decay, even if a person takes care of their teeth differently. A recent review found that brushing and flossing do not prevent a person from getting cavities if they don’t use fluoride.

Many communities in the United States have added fluoride to their water supply. Several organizations recommend this practiceincluding the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the ADA.

People can find out if the water in their area contains fluoride by contacting their local government. Reverse osmosis water filters remove fluoride, and people using well water should test the fluoride levels in that water to find out how much is present. Many brands of bottled water do not contain fluoride.

Flossing can remove plaque and bacteria between teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach. It can also help prevent bad breath by removing debris and food trapped between the teeth.

Although there is a lack of long-term studies proving that flossing is beneficial, the ADA continues to recommend it. The CDC also mention that people should floss.

Most healthcare professionals recommend gently pushing the floss up to the gum line first hugging the side of the tooth with up and down movements. It is important to avoid flossing up and down between the teeth, which can cause pain and will not remove plaque as effectively.

Experts recommend that people visit a dentist every 6 months for a checkup. During a regular dental exam, a hygienist will clean the teeth and remove plaque and tartar.

The dentist will check for visual signs of tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and other oral health issues. Sometimes they may also use dental x-rays to check for tooth decay.

The results of a recent study confirmed that children and teenagers should visit the dentist every 6 months to help prevent tooth decay. However, adults who practice good oral hygiene every day and have a low risk of oral health problems may be able to go less often.

Its authors a recent review state that there is a need for more high-quality studies to confirm the ideal frequency of dental checkups.

People can talk to their dentist about how often they need a check-up. The answer may vary depending on a person’s health history, age, and overall dental health. However, anyone who notices changes in their mouth should see a dentist.

Smoking damages the body’s immune system, which makes it harder for the body to heal tissues, including those in the mouth. The CDC names smoking as a risk factor for gum diseasewhile the ODA be warned that people who smoke may experience slow healing after a dental procedure.

Smoking also affects the appearance of the mouth, leading to yellowing of the teeth and tongue and can give bad breath.

Some studies show that certain mouthwashes can benefit oral health. For example, one review found that mouthwash containing chlorhexidine, an antibacterial ingredient, helps control plaque and gingivitis. Oral solutions with certain essential oils they are also effective, according to a meta-analysis.

People may want to ask their dentist which mouthwash is best for their individual needs. A mouthwash cannot replace brushing and flossing, but it can complement these practices.

Mouthwashes that may help with bad breath and dental problems are available online.

Eating sugar can lead to tooth decay. Studies continue to highlight the important role played by sugar in adverse consequences for dental health. Common culprits include candy and desserts, but many processed foods also contain added sugar.

The WHO recommends that people limit their sugar intake below this 10 percent of their daily calories. The authors of a systematic review concluded that reducing this to 5 percent would be further reduce the risk of caries and other dental problems.

Experts have also stated that starchy foods such as crackers, bread, chips and pasta can cause tooth decay. The ADA explains that these foods stay in the mouth and are broken down into simple sugars, on which the acid-producing bacteria feed. This acid can cause tooth decay.

Instead of starchy foods, the ADA recommends eating plenty of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables as well as unsweetened dairy products.

Sugary drinks are the number one source of added sugars in the typical diet of those in the U.S. Drinking soda, juice, or other sugary drinks can lead to higher risk of tooth decay.

The ODA we recommend drinking water or tea without sugar throughout the day and only drink sugary drinks at mealtimes and in small amounts.

A child’s primary teeth, which people sometimes call baby teeth, are just as important as their permanent teeth. Baby teeth help a child chew and speak. They are positional states for future permanent teeth.

If a child loses a baby tooth due to tooth decay, it can disrupt the space in the mouth and make it difficult for the adult tooth to grow properly.

With this in mind, it is best to introduce good dental care for children during infancy. The following practices will help keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy:

• Wipe a baby’s gums with a warm, wet washcloth every day, even before teething. This removes the sugars from the gums and can help a baby get used to the feeling of brushing their teeth.
• Babies and toddlers should not go to sleep with bottles or glasses. Milk and juice contain sugars that can cause tooth decay if left on the teeth for extended periods.
• As a baby approaches 1 year, start getting them used to a cup. Aim to stop using bottles by their first birthday.
• Allow toddlers to drink water from glasses between meals, but save juice or milk for mealtimes only.
• Once a baby has teeth, brush them twice a day with a soft baby toothbrush. Use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste, no larger than a grain of rice. Children ages 3 to 6 can use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
• Parents or caregivers should brush the child’s teeth for them until they can clean all their teeth thoroughly without help. Watch them to make sure they spit out the toothpaste.
• Keep the toothpaste out of the reach of children when not in use.
• The ADA recommends it the children visit the dentist within 6 months of their first tooth appearing or at 1 year of age, whichever comes first.
• Parents and caregivers should not share eating utensils with a child or clean pacifiers by putting them in their mouths. Both of these actions can pass the bacteria that causes an adult’s cavity to the child.

Practicing good dental care from infancy through adulthood can help a person keep their teeth and gums healthy. Daily brushing and flossing, not smoking, eating a healthy diet, and having regular dental checkups can help people avoid tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems. It can also benefit their overall health.