Repeat after us: brush, floss, and mouthwash! Everyone knows the proper routine; however, it is easy to fall into patterns and forget a step along the way. Doing so can lead to unwanted oral issues like gum disease. Luckily, we have the secret to healthy gums below…
Floss!
Save your gums and ward off unwanted cavities. While brushing for 2 minutes is a big step in the right direction, sometimes stubborn plaque will stick on your teeth, which is where flossing comes in! This oral hygiene step is especially important for patients with permanent retainers or braces, as food is more likely to stick. Click here to view our #DroppingDentalPearls series on how to floss like a pro.
Regular Dental Cleanings
Plaque is a sneaky thing, and even with regular brushing and flossing, you can still miss a spot! Thankfully, a professional cleaning will do the trick! A trip to one of our offices will set you at ease. During your visit, our hygienists provide you with a warning of early signs of gum disease and give tips on how to get your gums back to perfect health! To book an appointment for a regular cleaning, click here.
Avoid Smoking
Who wants bad breath? Smoking is heavily associated with gum disease and poor oral hygiene, which can weaken your body’s infection fighters. Once gum disease develops due to smoking, it isn’t easy to get rid of. Regularly smoking can also cause tooth discoloration and later lead to gum infections, as reported by the CDC. Preserve your gorgeous grin by avoiding this habit altogether!
Brush Twice A Day
Strategy is key! Here are a few key factors the Mayo Clinic recommends to ensure your teeth are properly cleaned at home:
- Make sure you’re brushing your teeth twice a day and for at least two minutes. This ensures you’re covering your entire mouth. Pro-tip: remember to brush your tongue as well! Tons of bacteria hang out on it and can cause bad breath and cavities.
- Use a quality toothbrush with soft bristles, so it isn’t doing more harm than good, and invest in a dentist-approved fluoride toothpaste. We recommend the Burst Oral Care or Philips Sonicare brushes for a deep clean. Also, according to Healthline, you should probably skip the charcoal toothpaste! To read more about why click here.
- Have the correct brushing form – gentle circles aimed toward the gums. Brushing too harshly can cause unnecessary damage to your gums and lead to bleeding. Learn all about the best technique from our hygienist, Daines, by watching our #DroppingDentalPearls here.
Routine oral hygiene is crucial for a variety of reasons, and preventing gum disease is the best way to protect your teeth and gums! If you think you may need to talk to a dentist about your tooth or gum health, book an appointment with us! We’re here to help you protect something important to you–your smile.
To schedule an appointment in one of our Charlotte offices, click here.
To participate in a virtual consultation, click here.
