One way to prevent tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease is by eating a balanced diet, limiting the number of between-meal snacks, and brushing and flossing.
The ADA recommends the following for good oral hygiene:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won't do a good job of cleaning your teeth.
- Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner. Decay-causing bacteria still linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. This helps remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
- Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.
- Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.
Antimicrobial mouth rinses and toothpastes reduce the bacterial count and inhibit bacterial activity in dental plaque, which can cause gingivitis, an early, reversible form of periodontal (gum) disease. ADA-Accepted antimicrobial mouth rinses and toothpastes have substantiated these claims by demonstrating significant reductions in plaque and gingivitis. Fluoride mouth rinses help reduce and prevent tooth decay. Clinical studies have demonstrated that use of a fluoride mouth rinse and fluoride toothpaste can provide extra protection against tooth decay over that provided by fluoride toothpaste alone. Fluoride mouth rinse is not recommended for children age six or younger because they may swallow the rinse. Consumers should always check the manufacturer’s label for precautions and age recommendations and talk with their dentist about the use of fluoride mouth rinse.
According to the Mayo Clinic, bad oral hygiene can increase your risk of health problems as serious as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. . If you're not flossing properly, however, it doesn't matter how often you do it, so make sure you ask your dentist about correct technique.
Just when you think you’re grown up and know what to do concerning your oral hygiene health; who hasn’t been told to brush two to three times per day? Now we are reading it is important to floss every 12 to 24 hours so bacteria can't build up in your mouth. While most people may feel a twinge of guilt when they skip their daily flossing regimen, few realize that unhealthy gums could mean more than bad breath. "There seems to be a possible association between gum inflammation and untreated gum disease, and higher incidence of heart disease," says Washington, D.C.-based periodontist Dr. Sally Cram. "Many studies have shown a direct link between chronic gum inflammation and developing diabetes. And on the flip side, people who are uncontrolled diabetics have a much higher risk of developing gum disease." I have always felt a twinge of guilt when skipping my daily flossing regimen, but never did I realize that unhealthy gums could mean more than bad breath.
What are some tips for daily oral care?
The best way to remove decay-causing plaque is by brushing and cleaning between your teeth every day. Brushing removes plaque from the tooth surfaces. It is essential in preventing periodontal (gum) disease.
Brush your teeth twice a day, with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth, allowing you to reach all areas easily. Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride, which helps protect your teeth from decay. When choosing any dental product, look for the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance, an important symbol of a dental product's safety and effectiveness.
By taking care of your teeth, eating a balanced diet and visiting your dentist regularly, you can have healthy teeth and an attractive smile your entire life. Follow these tips to keep your teeth and mouth clean:
How do I brush my teeth?
- Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums.
- Move the brush back and forth gently in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
- Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
- Use the "toe" of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke.
- Brush your tonge to remove bacteria and freshen your breathe.
