6 Ways to Achieve Healthy Teeth and Gums

• Brushing and flossing is the number one step to healthy teeth and gums. Why is it necessary? Plaque is the leading cause of tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing and flossing daily are the best measure you can take to reduce plaque. The reason to remove plaque thoroughly from all surfaces at least once a day is fairly simple: Both decay and periodontal diseases are infections caused by a number of specific bacteria which live in the plaque deposits. Once removed, it takes about twenty-four hours for the bacteria to grow to pathologic (disease causing) levels. Brushing only allows these germs to thrive between the teeth, so flossing daily is imperative. The simple act of proper daily hygiene will prevent the majority of dental troubles in most people.
  

• Fluoride helps to prevent tooth decay in two ways. Fluoride molecules integrated into tooth structure make the enamel more resistant to acid attack. Bacteria use acid to dissolve tooth structure as the integral part of the decay infection. Fluoride is also toxic to many bacteria, including those involved in decay. Topical fluoride via toothpaste and rinses lowers bacterial counts significantly. This "double whammy" helps fluoride reduce decay to its current historically low levels in fluoridated communities. Always use fluoride toothpaste, and anyone with an increased risk of decay should use rinses. Fluoride rinses are most effective if used before bed.

• Quit smoking immediately as it is very detrimental to your mouth. Besides staining and yellow teeth, smokers are much more likely to suffer oral cancer than non-smokers. Periodontal disease in smokers is more severe, progresses faster, and responds very poorly to treatment. Smokeless tobacco is problematic as well, with a high risk for oral cancer and gum damage.

• Visit your dentist regularly to combate periodontal disease. Nearly all oral diseases are asymptomatic in their early stages; including periodontitis, gingivitis, decay, and oral cancer. In addition, these problems are much easier and less expensive to fix when caught early. A filling costs less than a root canal and crown, early non-surgical treatment is cheaper and easier than gum surgery, and small oral cancers are easily cured whereas advanced lesions result in complex, disfiguring treatments or even death.

• Use mouthwash, such as Oxyfresh, twice daily help reduce gingivitis when accompanied by proper brushing and flossing. The mouthwash should be "swished" for approximately 1 minute to achieve best results.

• Reduce sugar intake. The amount of sugar eaten throughout the day is not as important as the frequency of intake. This includes both simple sugars and starches. The mouth has a natural buffering capacity in the saliva which neutralizes the bacterial acids, thus minimizing decalcification of enamel. Frequent sugar doses overloads this ability.