Keeping your mouth healthy is essential for your overall well-being. When you look after your gums and teeth, you can prevent the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Many people consume sugary food items and drinks that can cause bacterial accumulation in their mouths.
According to Gary Anusavice, The bacteria buildup in your mouth produce acid that makes holes in your teeth, leading to a condition known as tooth decay. Bacteria stick to your teeth and increase the risk of gum disease.
When you avoid cleaning your teeth properly, you can experience plaques. Leaving plaques on your teeth can cause gums soreness, redness, and swelling. Your gums may bleed when you brush them due to the formation of plaques.
Another problem caused by bacteria plaques is bad breath. If you fail to treat the gum disease, you may lose your teeth eventually. In addition, smoking can cause tooth staining, bad breath, tooth loss, gum disease, and mouth cancer.
Alcoholic drinks with acidic properties and higher sugar content can cause tooth decay and erosion. Therefore, Gary Anusavice advises his patients to avoid consuming alcoholic beverages in larger amounts. So, how to keep your gums and teeth healthy? Here are a few tips!
Avoid Sugary Foods
Every time you drink or eat something sugary, the bacteria in your mouth produce acid. Not only does the acid last for a few hours, but it also increases the risk of tooth decay. According to Gary Anusavice, it is crucial to cut down on sugary foods and drinks.
Avoid sugary snacks like cakes, biscuits, and sweets between meals. At the same time, lower your consumption of sugary drinks, such as natural fruit juices, fruit squashes, and milkshakes between meals. That way, you can keep your gums and teeth healthy.
Avoid Acidic Drinks
Acid drinks, such as sports, fizzy, and fruit juices, can take a massive toll on your oral health. These drinks contain acids that dissolve the enamel of your teeth. Remember, the enamel is the outer surface of your teeth, and acid can cause erosion.
So, this thins your teeth and increases the risk of chipping. Similarly, acid drinks can make your teeth and gums more sensitive. Therefore, avoid drinking fizzy and acidic juices to prevent damaging your gums and teeth.
Regularly Clean Your Teeth and Gums
Brushing your gums and teeth regularly is the key to maintaining your oral health. Gary Anusavice recommends brushing your teeth for 2-3 minutes in the morning and before bedtime. Make sure you use toothpaste that contains fluoride.
Remember, fluoride protects your teeth against decay. Not only does it strengthen enamel and prohibit bacteria from producing acid, but it also protects your teeth against demineralization.
Besides, choose a toothbrush with a small head to reach all parts of your mouth. Brush every surface of your tooth to get the job done. Make sure the bristles reach all parts of your teeth, especially the area that joins the gum.
That way, you can effectively prevent plaque formation. Always move the toothbrush in gentle and circular movements. Moreover, your dentist can show you how to use your toothbrush correctly.
Flossing Can Help
Flossing is an excellent way to remove or reduce plaque between your teeth. The purpose is to promote your oral health and keep your gums and teeth healthy. Flossing can prevent gingivitis, a condition that causes inflammation in the gums and leads to bleeding. When you floss your teeth, you can protect your gums and avoid bleeding.
In addition, when you ignore flossing, you don’t clean your teeth effectively. So, avoid skipping the floss to ensure your gums and teeth are healthy and clean. Gary Anusavice says that not flossing can leave your teeth’ surface uncleaned.
Remember, brushing only removes plaques from your teeth’ front and back surfaces. On the other hand, flossing allows you to reduce or remove plaques underneath the gums and between your teeth. So, this makes flossing a reliable way to clean the hard-to-reach spots and eliminate bacteria.
Final Words
Not maintaining oral health or hygiene can increase the risk of chronic conditions, including gingivitis, cavities, periodontal disease, demineralization, cracked tooth syndrome, and bruxism-related disorders. Follow the tips and tricks given above to keep your gums and teeth healthy. Until Next Time!