Overview

Healthy teeth and gums allow us to eat and enjoy our food. However, the health of the mouth can be affected by many problems, and taking good care of the gums and teeth can keep them strong and healthy.

Oral health is not only about straight teeth or a bright smile. The health of teeth and gums is an important part. Cavity-free teeth do not necessarily make you immune to gum disease or tooth decay.

Having knowledge about these aspects of oral health and being aware of how you should care about your gums and teeth is extremely crucial. Let us begin by understanding the problems that can be caused by poor oral health. 

Tooth Decay 

A hard, outer coating called enamel covers our teeth. A thin film of bacteria called dental plaque builds up on your teeth every day. This bacteria produces harmful acids that can affect the enamel and cause cavities. Though this can be prevented by brushing and flossing, decay, a cavity once formed has to be fixed with a filling to prevent further damage.

Using fluoride toothpaste can help to protect your teeth from decay. People with conditions like dry mouth are at a higher risk of tooth decay and need more fluoride. A fluoride treatment by a dentist can also help to prevent decay.

Gum Disease 

Gum disease begins with plaque building up along and under your gum line, causing an infection that damages the gum and bone that hold your teeth in place. Gums that are red, tender, and more likely to bleed are a sign of a mild form of gum disease which is called gingivitis. 

Gingivitis can be taken care of by brushing and flossing every day. However, a severe form of gum disease, called periodontitis can be only treated by a dentist. An untreated infection can lead to painful and bleeding gums, chewing problems & eventually even tooth loss.

Brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily can help prevent gum disease. Also, remember to visit your dentist routinely for a checkup and cleaning. A well-balanced diet can go a long way in protecting your gums. 

Try to quit smoking as smoking increases your risk for gum disease.

Also Read: Can You Get Dental Implants If You Have Gum Disease?

There are also other oral health issues like dry mouth and oral cancer which can be caused due to inadequate care of our gums and teeth. 

The following tips can be very useful in protecting the health of your gum and teeth at home. 

 Flossing 

Remember to floss daily. This one habit will go a long way to remove the plaque & food that your toothbrush cannot reach. You can floss anytime, in the morning or at night. What is important is that you do it! 

Quit smoking 

We have also heard that Cigarette smoking is injurious to health, and the same goes for your oral health. Smoking is one of the main catalysts at the beginning of gum disease. Moreover, smoking weakens your immune system, making it harder to fight off a gum infection and also inhibits their healing. 

Brushing 

Try to follow the golden rule of brushing your teeth after every meal preferably with fluoride toothpaste. However, if you cannot do that, brush at least twice daily as this helps to remove the food and plaque trapped between your teeth and gums. Also, clean your tongue properly as it can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Morgan Hill Dentistry recommends its patients use a toothbrush that has soft bristles and fits into their mouth comfortably. 

A battery-powered or electric toothbrush can help reduce gingivitis & plaque even more effectively than the manual one. Make sure to change your toothbrush or toothbrush head within three to four months or even earlier if the bristles are frayed 

Mouthwash 

A good antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce plaque, prevent gingivitis, and reduce tartar development. Moreover, it helps to remove food particles and debris from your mouth. 

What is the right way to clean teeth and gums? 

Brushing your teeth right is as important as brushing them daily. 

• Brush your teeth gently on all sides with a soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste, using small circular motions and short back-and-forth strokes.

• Use careful and gentle movements along your gum line.

• Brush your tongue lightly or use a tongue scraper to keep your mouth clean.

• Use dental floss to clean your teeth. Both pre-threaded flossers and water flossers can be used for this purpose. This helps to remove plaque and leftover food from places a toothbrush can’t reach.

• Make sure to rinse properly after you floss. 

If your gums bleed or hurt while flossing, make sure to see your dentist. 

These small steps can go a long way in keeping your teeth and gums in a good shape while saving you much time and money on dental treatments caused due to poor oral health. 

Remember to visit your dentist regularly and get professional cleanings done. Always discuss any medical conditions that you might be facing with your dentist. 

If you are looking for the best dental clinic in Morgan Hill, we are just a phone call away. Morgan Hill Dentistry is fully committed to protecting the oral health of its patients. We make sure that we discuss with you all the aspects of good oral habits. At our clinic, a professional approach and compassion go hand in hand and we make sure that you get up from the dental chair smiling and happy! 

Book an Appointment.