Protecting Your Oral Health

When it comes to protecting your oral health, the National Institute on Aging highlights a few conditions and provides instructions on how to clean teeth and gums.

To begin, it’s wise to understand how the process of tooth decay begins. As you may know, a hard, outer coating called enamel covers teeth. Yet, plaque builds up on the surfaces of teeth everyday, due to foods and beverages. Plaque contains bacteria, which produces acids that eat away at tooth enamel. That’s why it’s imperative to practice good oral care at home, to remove plaque. Otherwise, the process of decay will ensue and turn into a cavity.

Similarly, plaque may accumulate on gum tissues, which can result in periodontal gum disease. Plaque irritates gum tissues, and may cause them to appear red and puffy. In some cases, gums may bleed while brushing. This is often referred to as Gingivitis, which is a preliminary form of gum disease. If not treated, gums may become severely infected, leading to Periodontitis.

Tackle Plaque And Prevent Gum Disease

Consider the following ways to tackle plaque and prevent gum disease:

• Brush your teeth twice each day with toothpaste that contains fluoride
• Floss each day
• Commit to regular dental visits twice each year
• Eat a well-balanced diet, limiting carbonated sodas and carbohydrates
• Quit smoking, as smoking increases the risk for developing gum disease

Brush And Floss The Right Way

When it comes to cleaning your teeth, there’s a right way to brush and floss. First, it’s important to use gentle strokes as you brush your teeth. As a rule, make sure that you are using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Rather than brushing teeth side to side like a saw, use small circular movements. When approaching the gum line, exercise
caution and do not brush aggressively over gums. Next, brush over the tongue gently to remove plaque and other debris. After brushing your teeth and tongue, use dental floss to remove bacteria and leftover food that is trapped between teeth. Finally, rinse with a fluoridated mouthwash.

We’ll Give You The Tools And Resources You Need To Have Healthy Teeth For Life!

At Pure Smiles Dentistry, Dr. Sanil Patel and the team invite you to experience rewarding dental care at our Marietta location in West Cobb. As part of our comprehensive menu of services, we’ll provide you with the tools and resources you need to have healthy teeth for life. To schedule an appointment, call Pure Smiles Dentistry today.