In order to have healthy gums and teeth, it requires a lifetime commitment. This article can help you avoid infection of the gum which is known as periodontal disease.
As everyone knows you need to brush your teeth everyday. The brushing should be done twice a day within the first hour of having food or sweet acidic drinks. Flushing the food debris around the teeth by swishing a mouthful of mouthwash or water would help when it is added to regular brushing and flossing. It is also recommended to floss your teeth once a day between all the teeth not forgetting the back of last molars.
Importance of Frequent Check Ups
Always make sure you maintain your regular dental check up at least every 6 months. Some may require more cleaning up to 3-4 times a year. Ask your dentist and he/she will let you know what frequency works best for you. If there is a diagnosis of gum disease, it is easier to treat the disease in early stages. Make sure your dentist fixes all the broken teeth and fills all the cavities. Small cavities are much easier and cheaper to fix. When you don’t fix a small cavity, it tends to become larger in size over time making it more difficult and expensive to fix. Cavities do not go away on their own. They have to be removed by your dentist and be filled with a filling material such as composite which is tooth color and can not be seen by most people.
Smokers! Be Aware!
People who smoke or use smokeless tobacco have much greater chance of getting oral cancer. Stopping tobacco use would help in reducing bad breath as well as keeping teeth stain free. But most importantly it could save your life. Your dentist will evaluate for oral cancer screaming every time you go for check up.
Signs of Dental Problems:
There are few signs that warn us about dental problems. For example, if after brushing you still have bad breath it could be a sign of periodontal disease or presence of cavity. If your gums are puffy or bleed on their own, or at the time of brushing, it is an indication of gum disease. If the teeth are getting longer, it is a sign of bone loss. If these signs are ignored, teeth may get loose, and eventually teeth loss may result. Many of these problems can be minimized if proper dental treatment and oral hygiene can be maintained.
Healthy gums and teeth are essential for happy healthy life. Teeth and gums do not take care of themselves; it takes a team work between you and your dentist to maintain proper health.