Regular maintenance of gums and teeth for healthy oral hygiene is very important. If you have ever noticed, there is a space between each tooth. It’s very small and you can’t see it. Other than brushing it is also essential to clean these gaps. Use some kind of interdental cleaner between the teeth.
Healthy teeth and gums are essential in any circumstance. Any sort of irresponsible attitude can cost you so much in the long run. Unhealthy gums and teeth might cause you various diseases.
Thus, it not only worsens your dental health, unhealthy gums and tooth care might lead to serious outcomes. It could be issues related to cardiovascular health, respiratory infections, dementia, diabetes, cancer. It might also cause complications with pregnancy. Thus, to avoid more medical expenses in the long run, pay attention to healthy dental health.
As per some studies in the U.S.A., it stated that in 2013, dental expenses averaged about $700 per patient. Whereas the average expenses for the 90th percentile were about $1,600. It is a considerable amount of financial burden to patients.
You can avoid these expenses by using ways of meeting healthy teeth and gums without paying too much. A little knowledge can escape you from unhealthy gum and teeth problems.
Here are some important ways on how to keep your gums and teeth healthy without spending too much.
Follow Healthy Oral Hygiene
Prevention is a cure! From the beginning only you should track your oral hygiene. In dental health, prevention is the easiest and cheapest way to have healthy oral health. Regular monitoring of proper hygiene could help your teeth to stay healthy. Also, prevents any form of serious health issues. This will help in minimizing visits to your dentist for any dental concerns.
Here are some important steps to maintain proper dental hygiene:
Regular brushing of your teeth
Frequent flossing to remove food particles between your teeth
Consuming healthy and non-sticky food.
Drinking an adequate amount of water.
Avoiding habits that might harm your gums and teeth
Frequent dentist visits
Using fluoride toothpaste
The right way of brushing and flossing is the key to good dental hygiene. It is not too hard to practice the right way of doing it. Follow the right technique and you are free from gum disease and tooth loss.
Gum disease occurs by bacteria found in plaque and tartar. It creates a yellow sticky film on your teeth which is called Plaque. It is a layer of bacteria, mucus, food, and other particles. If you do not remove plaque from our teeth then it hardens into tartar. And this becomes home to bacteria, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). Inflammation of the gums happens due to bacteria in plaque and tartar on teeth. It is known as gingivitis. You have to visit a doctor to remove Tartar from your teeth.
There are three main stages of Gum disease
Gingivitis: This is the initial stage of gingivitis which causes red, swollen, tender gums that bleed easily. Early prevention can often be cured on its own with the right brushing and flossing.
Mild to moderate Periodontitis: In this next stage, inflammation and bleeding around the tooth start increasing. The reason behind this is bacterial poisons in plaque. And, also, your own body’s resistances start to break down the gum attachment to the tooth. It pulls away gum from the teeth and creates pockets of infected material. It can also cause early bone loss around the teeth. To prevent more bone loss and loosening of teeth, immediate treatment at this stage is vital.
Advanced Periodontitis: At this stage, further deepening of gum pockets and heavy destruction of the bone that holds teeth in place starts happening. Teeth at this stage may become so loose that they need to be removed if periodontal treatment doesn’t repair bone support.
Often at advanced conditions, symptoms of the periodontal disease start appearing. These symptoms are:
Bad breath that lasts for a longer time
Red, swollen, and sore gums
Pain while chewing food
Sensitive or loose teeth
Risk factors Involved
Several severe factors increase the risk factor that could lead to serious gum diseases. And these are as follow:
Smoking
Chewing tobacco
Diabetes
Hormonal changes in females
Heredity
Certain types of medicines
Prevention is a Cure!
Follow the Good oral hygiene habit. Brush and floss your teeth at least twice every day. This can help in preventing gum infections, cavities, and tooth loss. As per ADA, don’t forget to visit a dentist or dental hygienist for cleaning and checking of teeth at least once a year also is important. Tartar and plaque can still build up and cause gum problems if you don’t brush your teeth properly.
How to brush properly for plaque-free teeth:
Brush at least two times, one in the morning and one in the evening.
Use a soft-bristled brush or use an electric toothbrush.
Use toothpaste that contains fluoride.
Place your toothbrush at a 45° angle against your gums and brush each tooth about 15 to 20 times in a row.
Use short strokes and brush gently. Don’t scrub.
Brush the outer tooth surfaces using short with back-and-forth strokes.
Brush the inner upper-front teeth by brushing upright. Use short, downward strokes.
Use short, upward strokes for cleaning lower inside teeth.
Brush the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Do it with short, back-and-forth strokes.
After every 3 or 4 months, replace your toothbrush.
You should also buy a new toothbrush after you have had a cold, strep throat, or any sort of similar illness.
Don’t cover your toothbrush or store it in a closed container as it can encourage the growth of microorganisms.
Flossing Technique
Flossing helps to remove plaque and food particles from your teeth and under your gums. According to the AP investigation, incorrect flossing can sometimes be harmful. It can cause harmful bacteria to be released into your bloodstream. This could lead to an infection.
How to floss correctly:
Use 18 inches of floss and hold it firmly between your thumbs and forefingers. Place it between your teeth and then use it gently up and down.
When the floss comes to the gum line, curve it around 1 tooth. Softly rub the side of the tooth, move it in up-and-down motions. Ensure to go below the gum line. Repeat this method for the rest of your teeth. Also, floss the backside of your back teeth.
Some food that develops stronger teeth and healthy gum
Have plenty of calcium-rich foods like yogurt, milk, and cheese.
Leafy green vegetables and legumes are the healthiest choice in food for your teeth.
Dry fruits such as almonds are the best alternatives to sugary snacks. Fibre, vitamins, and calcium in almonds are very helpful for healthy teeth.
Apples have a cleansing property. You must have also noticed that after eating an apple you feel fresh and revitalized after having an apple.