Bad breath, bleeding gums, decay, and plaque build-up on the gum line all point to dental hygiene issues. Teeth should last a lifetime. Unfortunately, dental issues plague many individuals and lead to early tooth loss.
The National Institutes of Health reports that more than two percent of adults (ages 20 to 64) suffer from complete tooth loss. For older adults, tooth loss is much more common. Regular dental care ensures that adults keep their teeth and gums healthy and avoid tooth loss. Here’s what to know about brushing techniques, gum care, and when to see a dentist.
How to Brush Your Teeth
What is the best way to brush those pearly whites? Always choose a soft-bristled brush and scrub teeth in a circular motion. Brush each quadrant (right upper, left upper, right lower, and left lower) for 30 seconds. In total, tooth brushing should last two minutes.
While an electric toothbrush is the ideal choice, not everyone likes these toothbrushes or has the money to invest in one. Any soft-bristled brush is fine; just be certain to scrub each tooth in a circular motion down to the gum line.
How Often Should You Brush Your Teeth?
Many adults only brush their teeth once per day. For those who only scrub their teeth in the morning or just in the evening, it’s time to give that toothbrush a better workout. Children and adults need to brush their teeth twice per day. Ideally, adults also should brush after each meal or after eating a sticky treat.
How to Take Care of Your Gums
The gum tissue holds each tooth in place. Healthy gums are essential for healthy teeth. Healthy gums are pale pink in hue and should never pull away from teeth or recede down from the tooth. Red, inflamed, and bleeding gums indicate an issue.
The earliest stage of gum disease is gingivitis; the signs of gingivitis include bleeding or inflamed gums. Thankfully, gingivitis can be reversed.
Unfortunately, when left untreated, gingivitis progresses into periodontal disease. The signs include gum tissue that pulls away from the tooth and receding gum tissue.
How to Stop Receding Gums
Gum recession could be so minor that it is difficult for individuals to assess. Gum recession exposes part of the tooth’s root; individuals can notice an increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages. They also could feel a ridge at the top of the tooth. Gum recession is irreversible; however, with proper dental care, individuals can prevent further recession. Gum recession isn’t always indicative of active gum disease, though. Past orthodontic treatments and aggressive brushing habits lead to recession, too. Brushing too hard or using a brush with rougher bristles scrapes away at delicate gingival tissue. When individuals notice a recession, they need to discuss the issue with their dentist.
What Causes Bleeding Gums?
Flossing or brushing can lead to red bristles on a toothbrush or pink blood on dental floss. Why are the gums bleeding? Healthy gums should never bleed. Gingivitis causes bleeding gums; however, an injury also can lead to this issue. The individual could have flossed or brushed too aggressively. However, persistent bleeding warrants a discussion with the dentist.
Don’t Forget to Floss
Brushing teeth helps care for gums and teeth. However, flossing is an essential part of good oral hygiene, too. How often should individuals floss?
Floss once per day before brushing. In addition, individuals also can floss when they feel food trapped between teeth.
The best flossing technique involves pulling the floss down to the gum line and making a “u” swooping motion. This captures debris between teeth and adequately cleans the gum tissue.
Schedule Regular Dental Check-Ups
Professional dental check-ups and cleaning are essential to proper dental hygiene. Schedule cleanings twice per year. In addition, yearly digital X-rays capture images of teeth and gums to adequately diagnose dental caries and other issues.
For individuals overdue for a dental exam, call Masterpiece Smiles today to schedule a cleaning and consultation.
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