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How to Have Healthy Teeth and Gums

By Diane Hanson

Your teeth and gum can stay healthy and strong throughout your life as long as you take proper care of them. However, if you don’t practice good dental hygiene, plaque and tartar can easily build up and cause many problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.

Many of these dental problems are also linked to more serious health issues including heart disease and strokes. For people with diabetes, it’s extremely important to maintain healthy teeth and gums since diabetics tend to have a higher chance of developing periodontal disease.

By following these easy oral hygiene tips everyday, you can keep your teeth healthy and strong, and save money on expensive dental treatments.

How to Keep Teeth and Gums Strong

1. Brush morning and night.

The dentist tells you to do it for a reason – to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. You should brush your teeth with a soft bristled toothbrush once in the morning, after meals and once again before bed.

When you brush your teeth, make sure to brush gently using short circular strokes (not up and down). Also, don’t forget to brush the inside and chewing surfaces of your teeth, as well as your tongue. Avoid vigorous or harsh scrubbing, which can irritate your gums.

You may want to consider an electric toothbrush for effective plague removal.

2. Floss regularly.

Often times small pieces of food are trapped between your teeth and manage to escape the toothbrush. Dental floss are great for cleaning all the grooves of the teeth and avoid tooth decay.

Any type of floss can be used for flossing but if you’ve trouble getting the dental floss through your teeth, try the waxed variety.

3. Avoid sweets and sugared foods.

Too much sugar can cause cavities, yellowing of the teeth and many other problems. Each time you eat or drink anything that contains sugar, your teeth are under “acid attack” for up to an hour after eating.

This acid can bore a hole in the tooth and, in worst cases, expose the dentine (the soft, live inside of your teeth), which can cause toothache.

Therefore, it’s recommended you avoid candies, cakes, biscuits as well as foods with added sugar so that your teeth will stay strong right through your senior years.

4. Don't smoke.

Smoking is a major cause for tooth and complete oral tissue damage. Not only will it turn your teeth yellow and cause bad breath, smoking also increases your risk of gum disease, breathing problems and even lung cancer.

Research has shown that people who smoke 20 or more cigarettes a day are 6 times more likely to develop mouth cancer.

5. Try to minimize coffee consumption.

Coffee stains your teeth, makes your mouth feel dry, and not to mention, cause tooth erosion.

While it’s alright to drink coffee in moderation to stay alert, you might want to reconsider that third, fourth and fifth cup if you want a naturally white smile.

6. Eat a healthy balanced diet.

Healthy teeth and gums require plenty of calcium so make sure to consume good amounts of calcium-rich foods such as milk, fortified soy products, canned sardines or salmon (with edible bones).

In addition, eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables because they contain a plethora of Vitamins and minerals which are essential for good dental health. For example, Vitamin D and magnesium promotes calcium absorption.

7. Visit your dentist twice a year.

A professional dentist will help to keep your teeth extra clean and strong, and also educate you on the best way to brush and floss.

Visiting the dentist can help avoid and prevent serious dental problems, including tooth loss.

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