Four Ways To Reverse Dental Issues
Posted on: 28 August 2018
Do you have a lifetime of poor dental habits behind you and you are beginning to see the results in the form of the early stages of gum disease or tooth decay? If so, don't despair. With four simple adjustments, you may be able to regain your dental health. Read the following tips to learn how.
Tip #1: Invest in an electric toothbrush
An electric toothbrush can do a much better job of getting your teeth clean than the manual version. The vibrating heads produce a "sonic" wave, which dislodges food, plaque, and bacteria from the tooth surface as well as from beneath the gumline. This, in turn, decreases your chances for both gum disease and cavities. Opt for a model that has a built-in timer to ensure that you brush your teeth for the requisite two minutes at least twice a day. It also pays to invest in the toothbrush heads that change color when it's time for a replacement since using an old brush won't clean your teeth as well.
Tip #2: Get into the flossing habit
Gum disease occurs when plaque builds up along the gumline, which then allows bacteria to invade beneath the gumline and cause infection. Flossing is the best thing you can do to prevent this. If you have never flossed, start off gently and slowly. Floss every other day until your gums get used to it, then increase it to once daily. The evening is the best time to floss since you want to remove any bacteria before you go to bed. If you still have trouble flossing, speak with a dentist about using a water pick instead.
Tip #3: Change your diet
Diet can have an impact on your dental health. As a general rule, you want to avoid anything that leaves a sticky residue on your teeth, since this is more likely to invite bacteria growth. Examples include sodas, fruit juices, candy, and even fruit. This doesn't mean you need to stop enjoying these items completely. Instead, enjoy them in moderation and only when you know you will be able to rinse out your mouth or brush afterward. This way the residue won't be able to sit on your teeth and breed bacteria all day.
Tip #4: Increase your hygiene visits
If your teeth and gums are still relatively healthy, twice-yearly dental hygiene visits are usually more than enough. Unfortunately, if you have the beginnings of decay or gum disease, you will need to go in more often. Quarterly appointments with a deep cleaning can go a long way toward preventing more severe dental issues that can lead to tooth loss. Talk with your dentist to determine what schedule of cleanings is best for you.
For more information and resources, visit a site such as http://www.brooksidedentalgroup.com.
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