How to Keep Teeth and Gums Healthy

It has been shown that an unhealthy mouth can lead to an unhealthy body--it can increase your risks for heart disease and diabetes. You know you need to brush and floss at least twice a day. However, there are some very simple changes and tricks you can use to help keep your teeth and gums healthier. Avoid those nasty and expensive fillings you must get when your dentist discovers a cavity. Keep your teeth white. Decrease your risks for gum diseases and other health problems. Sounds too good to be true? Read on for more information.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Straws
• Fluoride rinse
• Regular dentist check ups

1. Always drink your beverages with a straw. This is a very simple solution to keep most of the sugar and acid from soda and coffee off of your teeth and gums. Brush and rinse afterwards.
2. Avoid lollipops and hard candies that just sit in your mouth. These take a long time to eat and ensures that the sugar will get into every nook and cranny between your teeth and gums. If you really want to eat something sugary, just eat it and get it over with.
3. It is important that you brush your teeth after every meal. This is the ideal way to take care of your teeth and gums. It removes any sugars from your mouth, as well as bacteria. Always brush gently so as not to harm the enamel on your teeth. Floss at least once a day--twice if you can. In the morning and at night rinse your mouth thoroughly with a fluoride rinse.
4. See a qualified dentist on a regular basis. It can seem like a fruitless expense at the time, but if you do not want to spend the money now, you will later, when it is too late. You can easily get gum diseases and even lose some of your teeth. Get regular check ups from your dentist to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Tips & Warnings

• Replace your toothbrush every 3 months
• A fluoride rinse is vital
• Get regular dental screenings
• Brushing too long and too hard can damage your teeth and gums, so be gentle.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol.