When it comes to oral health, it is widely recognized that everyone should brush their teeth at least twice a day to keep their teeth clean and healthy. Every person has their own dental hygiene routine that aims to maintain their oral health. However, one aspect of oral health that tends to be overlooked by a lot of people is gum health. People are often satisfied as long as their teeth appear clean and white, but not a lot of people seem to consider the fact that healthy teeth require healthy gums.
To better understand the reason, let’s begin by comparing teeth to an iceberg. The teeth are a bit similar to icebergs because just like icebergs, what you see is much smaller than what is below the surface — about a third of each tooth is underneath the gums. This is why it is extremely important to ensure that you’re taking great care of your gums, as well.
This article will discuss and share some Calgary dentist tips on keeping your gums healthy and free of gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
1. Brushing teeth thoroughly and flossing daily
Of course, first on the list is practicing proper dental hygiene every single day and this includes thoroughly brushing and flossing your teeth. It is important to brush your teeth after every meal or at least twice a day to remove food particles and plaque trapped between your teeth and gums.
To be able to brush teeth properly, make sure that you’re using a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits in your mouth comfortably. You can even consider using an electric toothbrush for better efficiency. They are also said to help reduce gingivitis and plaque more than manual brushing.
Also, flossing once a day is extremely beneficial because it helps remove the food particles and plaque stuck between teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach. Besides all that, keep in mind that you also need to keep your tongue clean since it can harbor a lot of bacteria. To do that, always brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper.
2. Choosing the right toothpaste (fluoridated toothpaste)
Choosing the right toothbrush is important but it should also be well-noted that choosing the right toothpaste is vital, as well. Choosing the right toothpaste can be tricky because of the wide variety of brands with different claims—some are intended to freshen breath, reduce gingivitis, whiten teeth, etc.
To know which one to choose, always make sure to check if the toothpaste contains fluoride. That’s when you know you’re choosing the right toothpaste because fluoride toothpaste is the way to go if you want to achieve healthier teeth and gums.
3. Rinsing using a therapeutic mouthwash
Therapeutic mouthwash and cosmetic mouthwash are the two types of mouthwash that are available over the counter. Cosmetic mouthwashes only offer a temporary fix and are only able to address short term bad breath.
Meanwhile, therapeutic mouthwashes are designed and meant to address various dental concerns such as preventing gingivitis, reducing plaque, reducing the speed of tartar development, and many others.
This is why it is recommended to rinse using a therapeutic mouthwash after brushing teeth. However, always remember that rinsing using mouthwash is not a substitute for flossing or brushing and is not an excuse to neglect to do either.
4. Quit smoking as recommended by Calgary dentists
Smoking has been said to weaken the immune system thus making a person more at risk and susceptible to oral health complications like gum disease. It is recommended by dental professionals and Calgary dentists to immediately quit smoking or at least lessen the amount of time you smoke if you really want to reduce the risk of developing gum disease. Also, smoking makes gum healing extra difficult once they’ve been damaged or infected.
5. Getting regular dental cleanings and check-ups from a Calgary dentist
One of the ways to truly ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy and free of any complications is by visiting an affordable Calgary dentist to clean and examine your teeth and mouth regularly.
By visiting the dentist regularly, the Calgary dentist is able to detect early signs of oral health diseases especially ones that can become more serious if not treated immediately like gum disease or gingivitis.
A dental visit also usually includes a professional dental cleaning that thoroughly cleans the teeth by getting rid of any plaque you missed when brushing or flossing and removing the tartar that cannot be removed by regular brushing. Regular dental cleanings and exams can contribute greatly to the treatment of gingivitis and other gum diseases.
Visit Inglewood Family Dental today to book your appointment and have your teeth and gums cleaned and examined as early as possible. Contact us at (403) 265-5888 to request an appointment! We’d be happy to assist you and provide you with your dental care needs!
Inglewood Family Dental
Phone: 403-265-5888
Address: 1420 9 Ave SE #24
City: Calgary
State: Alberta
Postal Code: T2G 0T5
Country: Canada
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