CALL US TODAY · (618) 258-0239
5 Tips For Healthy Teeth and Gums
5 Tips to Keep Your Teeth and Gums Looking Healthy!
Oral health is essential to overall health, and good oral hygiene habits can help to prevent a variety of problems, including cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. It is commonly known that we should brush our teeth twice a day and see the dentist every 6 months, but many of us don't realize the importance of these habits until it's too late. By establishing good oral hygiene habits early on, we can help to ensure a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once a day, and seeing the dentist regularly are all important steps in maintaining good oral health.
Our team at
Bellwood Family Dental can also help you create a personalized Oral Health plan that fits your needs! By following these simple steps, you can help to keep your teeth healthy and prevent problems in the future. It's never too late to start taking care of your teeth. If you're not sure where to start, continue reading our blog below for tips and tricks to guide yourself to a healthier oral hygiene routine!
1. Brush Teeth Twice a Day!
Brushing your teeth is one of the most simple and effective ways to care for your oral health. The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is a naturally occurring element that has long been recognized for its oral health benefits. Many municipalities have fluoridated drinking water to help reduce cavities. Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste can help to remineralize teeth, making them stronger and less susceptible to cavities. It is important to use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on your toothbrush and to brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the front, back, and chewing surfaces. Be sure to brush gently so as not to damage your gum tissue. For best results, brush your teeth after every meal or at least twice a day.
In addition to brushing with fluoride toothpaste, be sure to visit your dentist regularly for
professional cleanings and checkups. Together, these habits will help you keep your smile healthy and bright for years to come.
2. Floss Teeth At Least Once a Day!
Flossing is an important part of oral hygiene. It helps remove plaque from between teeth and along the gum line where toothbrush bristles can't reach. Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva that forms on teeth. If plaque isn't removed, it can harden into tartar, which can lead to cavities and gum disease. That's why it's so important to floss once a day. Flossing helps remove plaque and bacteria from teeth and gums, which can help prevent cavities and gum disease. When done properly, flossing should be gentle on gums and effective at removing plaque. To get the most out of flossing, be sure to use a clean section of floss for each tooth, use gentle back-and-forth motions, and avoid snapping the floss into place. Flossing helps prevent cavities from forming in between teeth so you can avoid an unpleasant surprise during your next teeth cleaning and oral examination with us!
3. Avoid Smoking, Chewing Tobacco & Alcohol
Smoking is one of the most detrimental habits to your oral health. Smoking causes tooth discoloration, plaque/tartar build-up, gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer. Plus, it reduces your mouth’s ability to heal after an injury. Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, and smoking is a major contributor to this problem. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your oral health.
Talk to your dentist or doctor about ways to quit smoking, and make a plan that works for you. You may also want to consider using tobacco-free products! These products are less harmful to your oral health than traditional cigarettes, but they still pose some risks.
Alcohol consumption can be detrimental to your oral health for a variety of reasons.
First, alcohol dries out your mouth, reducing saliva production and increasing the risk of bacterial growth and plaque formation.
Second, many alcoholic beverages are sugary and acidic, which can lead to tooth decay and eventually tooth loss.
Finally, alcohol consumption can also cause problems with the gum tissue, leading to inflammation and bleeding. If you are concerned about the impact that alcohol may be having on your oral health, it is important to speak with one of our Dentists at Bellwood Family Dental in East Alton, IL. Our Dentists can help you determine the best way to protect your teeth and gums from the harmful effects of alcohol.
4. Look into getting Dental Sealants!
Dental sealants are a special coating generally applied to newly erupted molars in children, but adults can receive dental sealants as well. Dental sealants are a preventive measure against tooth decay. They fill in the grooves and fissures which help prevent plaque from building up and causing cavities. Dental sealants are usually made of clear or shaded plastic resin and act as a barrier, protecting your teeth from the effects of chewing and biting. Sealants can last for many years but will eventually need to be replaced. As long as they remain intact, they continue to provide excellent protection against tooth decay. If you are interested in dental sealants, please discuss them with our dentist during your next appointment.
Contact Bellwood Family Dental in East Alton, IL about whether sealants are right for you!
5. Schedule Routine Cleaning and Check Ups!
Routine dental cleanings are an important part of maintaining good oral health. Plaque is a sticky film that constantly forms on your teeth. If plaque is not removed, it will harden and turn into tartar. Tartar can only be removed by a dental professional and if left untreated, it can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Having teeth cleaned every six months will help remove plaque and tartar before it has a chance to cause problems. During teeth cleaning, one of our dental hygienists will gently scrape away plaque and tartar. They will also polish your teeth and floss between them to remove any remaining debris. Routine dental cleanings are an important part of maintaining good oral health, so we recommend that you have one every six months.
Schedule An Dental Appointment in East Alton, IL
Schedule your next appointment at Bellwood Family Dental in East Alton, IL today! Routine teeth cleanings are important for maintaining a healthy smile. Our dentists will remove any buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth, leaving you with a fresh and clean feeling. In addition, we will also perform an oral examination to check for any signs of tooth decay or other problems. By getting regular teeth cleanings, you can help prevent serious dental problems from developing.
So call us today to schedule your next appointment. We look forward to helping you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile!
Insights
