Everyone wants and deserves healthy teeth and gums. A healthy smile can boost confidence and self-esteem and prevent some illnesses caused by poor dental hygiene. There are several tips for maintaining a healthy smile, from the proper way to brush to daily flossing and regularly scheduled dental cleanings every six months.
Supreme Dentistry welcomes Texans who are looking for a new dentist to keep their gums and teeth healthy. We offer a comprehensive range of general dental services, from family and emergency dental services to teeth cleaning, dental fillings and crowns, dental bridges, and other cosmetic dental procedures. Our dental team will perform a full evaluation and create a dental plan to care for all your oral health care needs.
The importance of caring for your teeth
Taking care of your teeth is very important for everyone. Maintaining oral health significantly reduces the risk of developing medical complications. Regular brushing and flossing can help prevent gum disease and tooth decay and improve your overall physical health. If you don’t, it can cause serious health issues that will affect your quality of life.
Consequences of not caring for your teeth include:
- Plaque and tartar buildup
- Tooth decay and cavities
- Gum disease
- Tooth loss
- Bad breath
If you don’t brush and floss every day, it can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes complications, respiratory infections, pregnancy complications, and low self-esteem.
Caring for your teeth and gums is easy and something we learn early on in life. Use a fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth twice a day, once in the morning and before you go to bed. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle and place the brush against the gums, and use gentle, circular motions to clean your teeth properly.
Floss every day, as it can help remove plaque and food particles from between teeth. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you floss at least once a day, but flossing after a meal is also okay. Most importantly, see a dentist on a regular basis for professional cleanings and checkups.
Maintaining healthy gums is also essential for a healthy and beautiful smile. If you don’t, it can lead to gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease where the gums become red, swollen, and may bleed. Periodontitis is a more advanced stage of gum disease and can lead to infections, which can damage teeth and lead to tooth loss.
Tips for maintaining healthy teeth and gums
Daily oral hygiene
One way to maintain healthy teeth is to brush them with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily for two minutes. Daily flossing can also improve oral hygiene by removing plaque and food particles between teeth. Finally, follow up brushing with an antibacterial mouthwash. It helps reduce plaque, combat gum disease, and strengthen your enamel, providing an extra layer of protection for your oral health.
Diet and lifestyle
One tip for oral hygiene is to eat a balanced diet. Avoid overly processed foods and sugary snacks, like cookies and soda. Eat more crunchy fruits and vegetables to help stimulate gums and help keep teeth clean. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, as it can help wash away food particles and bacteria and prevent dry mouth.
You should avoid smoking at all costs as it can stain teeth and increase the risk of developing gum disease, oral cancer, and tooth loss. Other lifestyle changes you can make include:
- Limiting alcohol consumption: Some alcoholic beverages can be acidic and cause enamel erosion, and heavy drinking can lead to dry mouth.
- Be mindful of medications: Certain medications can cause dry mouth and affect oral health.
- Wear a mouth guard: Wearing a mouth guard at night is ideal for anyone who grinds their teeth and can protect them while playing sports.
- Regular dental visits: You should visit a dentist twice yearly or every six months for regular cleanings and to prevent dental issues early on.
If you have diabetes and are worried about your teeth and gums, managing diabetes can decrease the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and dry mouth. People with diabetes can experience longer healing times, which can impact oral health.
Visiting a dentist regularly
One tip for oral health is to visit a dentist twice a year or every six months for a cleaning, x-rays, and maintenance. A dentist can clean teeth, remove plaque and tartar buildup, and look for any signs of potential problems, such as cavities, root canals, and loose or damaged fillings.
Schedule an appointment at Supreme Dentistry today
Supreme Dentistry is a full-service dental office in Houston that welcomes new patients looking for a new dentist to care for their teeth and gums. Our team will welcome you into our Houston office and discuss how we can help you keep a beautiful smile. We have family and emergency dental services, such as general cleaning, dental fillings and crowns, root canals, and dentures. We also have several cosmetic procedures to improve your smile and boost your self-esteem and confidence.
For more tips for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, please fill out our online form or call 844.966.2333 today to schedule a consultation.
