Unfortunately, gum disease is very common but is also completely preventable.
Here are some simple ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
If you keep your teeth and gums healthy, you will only need to visit the dentist for cleanings and checkups. Not major treatment.
1. Brush for two to three minutes, at least twice a day, with fluoridated toothpaste. Be sure to brush along the gumline. Brush away the fragments of food Don’t brush too hard, but be thorough. Scrubbing your gums aggressively can be painful and is a BIG don’t.
2. Floss daily to remove plaque from places your toothbrush can’t reach. Don’t like to floss? Try a floss holder, which makes it much easier to insert the floss between teeth. But get over your aversion to flossing, unless you want decay or gum disease.
3. Although not a substitute for brushing and flossing, using a mouth rinse can halt plaque accumulation and keep your enamel strong. Remember that fluoride mouth rinses are not the same as mouthwashes. Mouthwashes have alcohol and are designed to freshen breath. (But they can exacerbate dry mouth which can cause other problems.)
4. Eat a healthy diet. Starchy and sugary foods increase plaque. A sensible diet provides the nutrients required (Vitamins A and C, in particular) to keep teeth and gums healthy.
5. Avoid cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, which may result in periodontitis (advanced gum disease) or oral cancer. While you’re at it, avoid E-cigs and vapors.
6. Be aware that certain medications can also threaten dental health. These include oral contraceptives, antidepressants, and heart medicines. If your medications are affecting your dental health, communicate with Dr. Stewart.
7. Exercise preventive care and schedule regular evaluations — the best way to detect early signs of gum disease and make a plan to reverse it.
8. Talk to your dentist about dental health topics such as old, broken fillings or crowded teeth.
9. If you grind your teeth, talk with Dr. Stewart about ways to guard your teeth.
Listed above are eight steadfast ways to ensure your teeth don’t decay, or worse, fall out completely. It’s vital to brush your teeth in the morning and at night. Bonus points for brushing and/or rinsing after lunch. Thorough, daily oral hygiene also keeps your breath fresh. Your friends, family, and co-workers will appreciate that.
Contact William J. Stewart Jr. DDS Advanced Family & Cosmetic Dentistry:
2210-493-3040
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
13220 Huebner Rd
San Antonio, Texas
78230
