Unfortunately, gum disease is very common. But completely preventable.
Here are some simple ways from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry 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 particles 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 far less complicated to insert floss between teeth. But get over your aversion to flossing, unless you want cavities or periodontitis (advanced gum disease).
3. Although not a substitute for brushing and flossing, using a mouth rinse can prevent 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 your breath. (But they can worsen dry mouth which can cause other problems.)
4. Eat a healthy diet. Starchy and sugary foods increase plaque. A wholesome diet provides the nutrients required (Vitamins A and C, in particular) to keep teeth and gums healthy.
5. Abstain from 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 oral health. These include oral contraceptives, antidepressants and heart medicines. If your medications are affecting your dental health, communicate with Dr. Hammond.
7. Exercise preventive care and schedule regular evaluations — the ideal 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, speak with Dr. Hammond 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 critical to brush your teeth in the morning and at night. Bonus points for brushing and/or rinsing after lunch. Proper dental hygiene also keeps your breath fresh. Your friends, family, and co-workers will appreciate that.
Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:
801-374-0070
Location (Tap To Open In Google Maps):
3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604
