Were you aware that the oral cavity is home to over 700 species of bacteria? Many are necessary for healthy teeth and gums, though, as they help dissolve and break down the food you eat. These “good” microorganisms also help create saliva so that you can taste, chew, swallow.
Unfortunately, some oral bacteria also cause diseases, including tooth decay and gum disease.
Don’t worry, though, as we’re here to share dental care tips to keep your pearly whites and gums healthy. Read on to discover these strategies, most of which you can do starting today.
1. Don’t Forget to Floss
According to experts, dental plaque becomes detectable on the teeth within 12 to 24 hours. From there, the formed plaque can cause gum inflammation within about five days.
Plaque can lead to tartar. It can lead to gum disease, so after brushing, you should floss. A fun tip here is to use water flossers. They make flossing quicker and easier.
That’s where the benefits of flossing come into play. For starters, it helps thread out plaque and bits of food stuck between the teeth. What’s more, the cavity-causing agents it can get rid of are those that regular brushing can’t.
2. Floss Before You Brush
Researchers say that flossing before brushing can reduce more plaque. They also found that this sequence helps increase tooth fluoride concentrations.
So, if you’ve been brushing before flossing, it’s time to do the opposite. Be sure you also floss and brush after every meal or at least twice a day.
3. Stay Hydrated
Did you know that fluoride, a cavity-preventing mineral, is in tap water? What’s more, health experts say that fluoridated water can reduce tooth decay by at least 25%.
That’s all the more reason to drink up and stay hydrated with tap water.
In addition, drinking tap water helps clean your mouth by washing away food debris. It also keeps your mouth moist, protecting it against dryness. You don’t want a dry mouth as it can raise your tooth decay and gum disease risks.
4. Brush for Two Whole Minutes
Some experts estimate the average brushing time in the US is 45 seconds. Unfortunately, though, this doesn’t eliminate enough food debris and plaque. On the other hand, two minutes of brushing can get rid of about 26% more plaque.
5. Don’t Underestimate Misaligned Jaws and Teeth
Oral health experts say that misaligned jaws can make teeth more prone to decay.
That’s because improper alignment creates more crevices between the teeth. As a result, there are more spots for food and plaque to get stuck. What’s more, such conditions can lead to painful mouth movements and even gum disease.
If you have crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw, consider getting braces or Invisalign. As explained by the Bondi Dentists, Invisalign consists of clear aligners. The aligners then move the teeth to more optimal locations, just like metal braces.
Maintain Healthy Teeth and Gums for a Lifetime of Smiles
There you have it, the top strategies on how to achieve healthy teeth and gums. The more of those tips you follow, the higher the odds of your pearly whites and gums staying disease-free.
As a final tip, be sure to schedule going to the dentist at least once or twice a year. This way, your dentist can catch potential oral diseases (and even diabetes!) before they worsen.
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