subject: Preventive Dental Care Offers Smiles For Your Lifetime [print this page] One of the most common dental diseases is gum disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss. Unfortunately, however, most people still don't understand it. By understanding gum disease and proper preventive measures, you can further protect your mouth from this harmful disease. More than 75 percent of Americans over 35 have some form of gum disease. In its earliest stage (gingivitis), your dentist can easily treat the disease. If you want to keep your teeth, it is important to take care of your gums with proper preventive measures.
Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), it is recommended that everyone brush at least twice a day to maintain his or her oral health. Proper brushing takes at least two minutes, but most adults do not even come close to brushing that long. In order to properly brush your teeth, it is important to use short, gentle strokes, paying close attention to the gum line, hard to reach back teeth and areas around fillings, crowns or other dental restorations. When brushing your teeth, concentrate thoroughly on the following sections:
*Clean the outer surfaces of your upper teeth, followed by your lower teeth
*Next, clean inner surfaces followed by the chewing surfaces
*For fresher breath, be sure to brush your tongue as well
Remember to replace your toothbrush when it begins to display wear and tear, or every three months-whichever comes first. It is also important to change your tooth brush after you have had a cold because the bristles can collect germs that can lead to reinfection.
Floss Between Your Teeth Daily
Although many people brush their teeth every day, many may still forget to floss. Proper flossing helps to remove plaque and food particles in places where a toothbrush cannot easily reach-under the gum line and between your teeth. Since plaque buildup can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, daily flossing is highly recommended by your dentist in Oswego, IL.
In order to receive the maximum benefits from flossing, it is important to follow the proper technique:
*With 18 inches of floss, wind most of the floss around each middle finger, leaving an inch or two to work with.
*Holding the floss tightly in your thumbs and index fingers, slide it gently up-and-down between your teeth.
*Gently curve the floss around the base of each tooth to make sure you go beneath the gum line.
*Use clean sections of floss each time you move from tooth to tooth
Eat a Balanced Diet Everyday
Establishing proper nutrition means eating a balanced diet so that your body can get the proper nutrients needed for good health. Your body is constantly renewing itself, building new muscle, bone, skin and blood. If your diet is low in the necessary nutrients that your body needs, your mouth may have a more difficult time resisting infection. If you must eat foods that are high in sugar or starch, try to eat them during meals rather than between meals, and avoid any foods that stick to your teeth as these can produce more plaque.
Talk to your Oswego, IL dentist today for more information on how to practice proper preventive care to ensure the health of your teeth and gums.
by: Gen Wright
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