Your teeth are meant to last a lifetime, and they can, if you take good care of them. Taking care of your mouth means that you have to clean your teeth, tongue and gums correctly, and you need to visit a professional every six months. When you consider the fact that tooth loss is usually caused by gum disease and tooth decay, you will want to take extra care.
Organisms reside in the pale, gluey build-up that continually builds on each tooth, called plaque, and this causes cavities and degeneration. Plaque develops when the bacteria that is naturally present in your mouth interacts with food debris and saliva. Consuming sweets or carbohydrates causes the organisms in the plaque to create an acerbic reaction that disintegrates the solid tooth covering.
With repeated exposure to plaque, enamel can break down, resulting in a cavity. Not only does plaque attack the teeth, but also targets the gums. Plaque can harden into tartar and accumulate at the gum line when proper dental hygiene, including brushing and flossing, is neglected. When this happens, your gum tissue becomes puffy, swollen, and aggravated. You may notice some blood when you brush. This indicates gingivitis, which is the first stage of gum disease.
Periodontitis is a result of Gingivitis, which occurs when gums move from the teeth, creating spaces open to contamination. Periodontitis, left untreated, causes destruction of supportive tissue, the gums and the jawbone. This may result teeth becoming loose and falling out.
Plaque is managed by frequent visits to the dentist and excellent personal hygiene. To brush your teeth properly hold your toothbrush at a slight angle against your teeth and use short back-and-forth motions. Pay attention to brushing your teeth on every surface from every angle – inside and outside – and don’t forget a gentle brushing of your tongue. By brushing your tongue bad breath can be removed and it also makes your breath more fresh. Ideally, you should brush each time you eat, but twice a day is adequate for most people.
Experts agree that your toothbrush should have soft bristles. Replace your tooth brush every three or four months or sooner if the bristles splay. Quite a few people make the mistake of believe a electric toothbrush does a complete cleaning. On the contrary; you have to get all the plaque out by cleaning between your teeth, which involves regular brushing and flossing, or using whatever dental devices you can to clean those small spaces brushes can’t reach.
Wondering how to effectively floss? Follow these hints supplied by dental health experts. First, you have to take a line of floss, and weave it between your teeth. Next, pull it through the space a couple of times, being sure to work around the entire space of the tooth. Than use a clean section of floss as you progress from tooth to tooth, and be sure to floss behind the last tooth.
Waxed or unwaxed floss is available. Some folks prefer waxed floss because its slides a bit easier. Sometimes string floss can be tricky to maneuver, so you may find it easier to use a floss holder or ask your dentist for other ideas. If you haven’t been flossing regularly, you may experience sore or bleeding gums for a few days, if the problem continues, contact your dentist.In addition to brushing and flossing, is your diet. If you consume foods and drinks that contain sugar for snacks, you are making your teeth more susceptible to decay, since the time of exposure that your teeth have to acid will be increased. Also, you can eat some foods that can keep tooth decay bay. Eating aged cheese immediately after other foods can neutralize enamel-damaging acid.
Foods with high water content such as pears or apples help dilute sugars. These fruits also stimulate the production of saliva which will help to rinse away sticky food pieces. Sugar-free gum helps encourage mucous and also moves out organisms that cause cavities. Eating calcium-rich foods such as milk, yogurt and green leafy vegetables, and taking calcium supplements, if necessary, can help maintain healthy teeth. It’s crucial to use toothpaste with fluoride, which safeguards against cavities.
In places where the city water does not contain fluoride, dentists will probably advise you to have a fluoride treatment either in the office or at your home. Even if your teeth are healthy and you have no problems, you need to see your dentist twice a year. If you experience any painful areas in the mouth, bleeding gums or changes in your bite, consult your dentist immediately. Keeping with a steady dental regime, both at home and with your dentist, will ensure the longevity of your teeth.
