Just like our overall well-being, maintaining good oral health is a necessity. But, unfortunately, stats suggest that over 80% of Americans lose one or two teeth to natural causes. It goes without saying how alarming such figures are.
Losing teeth to natural causes is a sign of poor oral hygiene. Having inadequate oral health is a concern as it is a gateway for other factors like tooth decay, cavities, or gum disease.
But is it possible to preserve your oral health from deteriorating?
Dentists in Charlotte NC, suggest that it’s possible to have healthy gums, strong teeth, and great oral health via Preventive oral care.
In this blog, we look at some dentist-recommended gum and teeth tips to maintain oral health and prevent losing teeth at an early age. So continue reading as we look into some advice shared by professionals in the following sections.
Expert-Recommended Tips For Healthy Gums & Teeth
Limit Sugary Food Items & Drink
Do your teeth feel fuzzy or rough? If so, you might have plaque on your teeth. As per Charlotte’s dental esthetics, plaque feeds on sugar and generates cavity-causing acid. Therefore, it’s wise to keep a check on sugary food items and drinks.
The next time you’re at the general store buying your favorite soda or snacks, check the label for the ingredients. Dentists suggest reading labels because not everything promoted as “healthy” is good for your teeth.
For instance, some specific yogurt flavors come with a lot of sugar. Likewise, aerated and sports drinks often contain more than the suggested sugar levels.
Brush Teeth Twice A Day But Not Aggressively
When asked about ‘how to make your teeth strong,’ many dental experts recommend brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice daily. They suggest so because fluoride is a naturally occurring substance that benefits oral health.
Additionally, ensure you brush for at least 2 minutes to get enough time to clean all your teeth. Besides, avoid brushing aggressively while at it, as brushing too hard can damage your teeth, enamel, and gums.
Floss Teeth Once A Day
Plaque is likely to accumulate at places your toothbrush bristles fail to reach. That’s why it’s essential to floss your teeth at least once a day while following a normal brushing schedule.
Flossing helps you avoid cavities between your teeth, protecting your oral health and saving you from undergoing any primary treatment right away.
Visit Your Dentist Every 6 Months
Experts recommend scheduling a dental appointment for teeth cleaning and oral examination every six months. This way, when you visit your dental expert regularly, your oral health is preserved, and the professional can gently scrape away any tartar or plaque accumulation.
Besides, we emphasize regular visits because once the plaque hardens into tartar, it might only be removed after surgery. What’s more? When left untreated, tartar may attack your teeth and spread gum disease.
Use Dental Sealants To Avoid Bad Oral Health
Dental sealants are the effective dental appliance that fills your premolars and molars’ grooves (fissures) and depressions. This special coating helps prevent plaque buildup that could cause cavities.
Besides, you could also add mouthwash to your oral regime. Studies indicate that some mouthwashes can aid your oral health. Mouthwashes contain chlorhexidine, an antibacterial ingredient that controls your gingivitis and plaque.
What’s more? You also have the option to ask your dentist for the best mouthwash that meets your individual needs.
Now that you know about dentist-recommended tips for healthy gums and teeth, let’s look at some common misconceptions associated with oral health.
Common Misconceptions Surrounding Oral Health
Many people have inaccurate information about oral hygiene. Misconceptions can have adverse impacts if you do not take proper treatment. So to help you better, we’ve shared some common myths associated with oral health.
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Cavities Cause Tooth Loss:
Although they are a factor in tooth loss, cavities are not the primary reason. Periodontal disease can result from unhealthy gums. The gums’ grip on teeth is weakened, making tooth loss more likely.
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Poor Oral Hygiene Is To Blame For Bad Breath:
Even the finest oral hygiene regimen cannot completely eradicate foul breath. Bad breath, sometimes called halitosis, can be an adverse drug reaction, an indication of an infection, or another health issue.
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It’s Normal For Your Gums To Bleed:
The presence of bleeding gums may indicate periodontal disease. If you notice it, contact your nearest dental professional and seek proper treatment.
Now You Know!
The best way to get a healthy smile is to maintain your overall health while caring for your teeth and gums. Once you follow these simple but proven tips by dentists, you can rest assured about a healthy life. All the best!
Let Us Care For Your Smile
Caring for your teeth and gums is similar to caring for your overall health. Let our experts at Smile Charlotte care for your teeth and gums while you stress about other important aspects of your life. Connect with us today or book an appointment at 704-377-2503.
