How to Maintain Healthy Teeth and Gums

In cartoons and movies, teeth problems are often depicted in a humorous manner, with them falling out or being discoloured. However, in real life, the health of your teeth and gums is no laughing matter. Taking care of them should preserve a beautiful smile and colour, while neglect only leads to pain and big dental costs. Dentists have the best knowledge of proper care and can talk on the topic for hours, but we just want to break down some of the most basic tips.

1. Brush and floss

No dental checklist is complete without these two practices, and they should be an unshakable component of a daily regimen. The logic is simple – you should brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once, but even these simple guidelines are ignored by many. The main issues in this regard come up when people brush their teeth only once per day, brush carelessly, or do not floss. And for those who want to enhance their smile, getting professional Dental Implants in South Loop is one good option.

1. Consider strengthening your teeth

Dental veneers can do wonders for your teeth, strengthening them and giving them new form. Veneers can be described as an external shell for your teeth. It is a special covering made of sturdy material (usually porcelain) that covers the existing tooth while preserving a healthy shape. Thus, it helps with issues like cracks, gaps, shape deformation, or discolouring.

1. Mind your diet

Diet-based recommendations are intended to prevent harm and improve jaw performance. For example, you can strengthen your jaw and bones by eating crunchy and chewy food. You might associate these qualities with meat, but we recommend healthier options with plenty of fibre, such as crunchy vegetables and certain fruits. As for preventing harm, it is advisable to limit your intake of sweet and coloured drinks (e.g. soda and coffee), as they can lead to discolouring and break down enamel.

1. Don’t forget to clean the tongue

The tongue is not a fully self-cleaning organ, and plaque tends to form on it over time. This plaque is a clear danger to the gums, as it causes gum disease if it proliferates along the gum line without intervention. Tongue scrubbers are a popular choice for removing plaque, and the same can be said for mouthwash.

1. Quit smoking

If you do not smoke or vape, you can pat yourself on the back and skip this tip. However, if you do partake in either one of the activities, you should consider their impact on your mouth area. Not only do they often cause various cancers (mouth, lung), but can also lead to discoloration. Long-time smokers rarely present a pearly-white smile, and it can be quite costly to get teeth back to a dazzling white after they have started turning yellow.

1. Visit your dentist on occasion

Medical care is not limited to those who face immediate problems, but should also apply to those who might experience them in the future. Thus, you do not need to wait for your gums to start bleeding to make a visit – you can just opt for a yearly checkup.