Don't take your smile for granted. Maintain a healthy teeth and gum by routinely practicing good oral hygiene habits and reporting problems.
Routine Care
Clean your teeth daily and see your dentist one to two times a year to prevent gum disease and other oral problems. To clean your teeth properly, brush them at least twice a day -plus preferably after each meal and snack- and floss daily. Also follow these other tips.
Use a Soft-Bristled Brush
Place your brush at an angle against your teeth, and use short back-and-forth motions to clean your teeth. Also clean the inside and chewing surfaces of the teeth and your tongue.
Replace Your Brush Every Three Months
When you floos, gently ease the floos between your teeth. Then pull the ends of the floss against the front and back surface of a tooth so that the floss forms a "C" as it wraps around the tooth. Gently pull the floss from the gumline to the top of the tooth to scrape off plaque. Remember to floss the backs of your teeth and to expose fresh floss between your fingers as you progress through your teeth.
Report Problems Founded
In addition to regular care, call your dentist if you develop any of the following signs and symptoms of gum disease:
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| Healthy Teeth |
- Red, tender, swollen gum
- Gum that bleed when you brush them, even if they're not sore
- Gum that are pulling away from your teeth; you may notice that your teeth seem longer
- Pus around your teeth and gum when you press on the gum
- A continual bad taste in your mouth
- Loose teeth
- Changes in the way your top and bottom teeth touch, or changes in the feel of your dentures
Good oral hygiene doesn't have to be difficult. Get in the habit of taking a few simple steps each day and seeing your dentist regularly. You'll be setting yourself up for a brighter smile and for better overall health, too.
[Article Source: To Your Health. 2006]
