A Dentist’s Advice for Healthy Teeth and Gums

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Plaque and bacteria that cause dental problems can be controlled by flossing and brushing your teeth.

Plaque is composed of bacteria, saliva and food particles. It adheres to teeth and gums and if it is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar). Bacteria in plaque also make acids from food particles and that acid causes tooth decay. Periodontal (gum) disease results from the plaque and calculus destroying gums and bone.

Brushing and flossing are the actions you can take to remove plaque and prevent the formation of calculus. These actions must be repeated because growth of plaque is continuous.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day especially before going to bed at night with a soft bristle brush and toothpaste.

1. Use a circular motion gently while holding your brush at a 45-degree angle, and to be safe, make sure you feel the bristles on the gums.

2. Brush the outer inner and biting surfaces of each tooth.

3. Use the tip of the brush head to clean inside the front teeth.

4. Refresh your breath and get rid of bacteria by brushing your tongue.

Electric toothbrushes are also recommended. They are easy to use and can remove plaque efficiently. Simply place the bristles of the electric brush on your gums and teeth and allow the brush to do its job, several teeth at a time.

Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gum line. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth and bone.

1. After cutting a sufficient length of floss, wrap each end around your middle fingers, leaving 2 inches between the fingers.

2. With a sawing motion, gently press the floss down between the teeth.

3. Make a curve with the floss around each tooth, underneath the line of the gums, and move it up and down. This cleans the spaces between teeth.

If you have any difficulty with this procedure, you can use a floss holder.

Rinsing your mouth with water after brushing and after meals in cases where you are not able to brush is vital to a clean mouth. Mouthwashes can also be used, but you should ask your dentist or dental hygienist to find out if it is suitable for you.

These are simple things you can do to preserve dental health. Of course, visiting your dentist a couple times a year will add to the preventive measures you take yourself.

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MLA Style Citation:
DDS, Steven H. P. "A Dentist’s Advice for Healthy Teeth and Gums." A Dentist’s Advice for Healthy Teeth and Gums. 1 Feb. 2010. uberarticles.com. 8 Apr 2012 <http://uberarticles.com/health-and-fitness/a-dentists-advice-for-healthy-teeth-and-gums/>.

APA Style Citation:
DDS, S (2010, February 1). A Dentist’s Advice for Healthy Teeth and Gums. Retrieved April 8, 2012, from http://uberarticles.com/health-and-fitness/a-dentists-advice-for-healthy-teeth-and-gums/

Chicago Style Citation:
DDS, Steven H. P. "A Dentist’s Advice for Healthy Teeth and Gums" uberarticles.com. http://uberarticles.com/health-and-fitness/a-dentists-advice-for-healthy-teeth-and-gums/

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