Has a general dentist recently diagnosed you with gum disease or tartar buildup? Although hard to identify, tartar buildup and gum disease are both preventable. The trickiest thing about these two issues is that they are usually painless and slow to progress. This means that they can easily advance in severity and cause additional issues the longer they stay in your mouth without being noticed and treated.
It is important to remember to visit a dentist as soon as you notice problems — you could save the deterioration of your gums, bone structure, and prevent possible tooth loss in the process. The following are five tips from a general dentist on how to maintain the health of your gums and teeth.
5 Tips to keep your teeth and gums healthy
1. Seeing your dentist regularly
Although it may seem annoying and time-consuming, seeing a licensed professional for a small check-up can go a long way in preventing tartar buildup and gum disease. It is recommended that you see a dentist at least twice a year, or once every six months. This number will be higher if you have any previous complications or a family history of similar issues.
Seeing a dentist often can help you diagnose and identify issues in your oral health long before things escalate. Plus, it is a great time to discuss any additional treatments or advice regarding your teeth.
2. Brushing and flossing
It goes without saying that one should always brush at least twice a day, and floss daily. Not only does this help get out small food particles lodged in your mouth, but it also keeps your teeth and gums clear of any potential buildup. Tartar does not appear overnight. Maintaining a healthy routine can do wonders for preventing periodontal diseases.
3. Stick to a routine
Although brushing and seeing a dentist is important, it is crucial to implement a routine. Gum diseases come in stages — if you care for your teeth on a regular basis, the chances of gum disease developing are much slimmer.
Oral health begins with proper care at home. Although not a substitute for brushing and flossing, think about investing in mouthwash as well, as it can reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
4. Sealants
Dental sealants are a thin, plastic coating painted on the surfaces of one's teeth. This helps form a protective shield over the enamel of each tooth. Sealants are a great preventative measure against both tartar buildup and gum disease since it protects your gums and teeth from cavity and decay. As an added bonus, sealants are a long term option for protecting your teeth from decay and can last for up to 10 years when placed in the proper hands.
5. Exercise and a balanced diet
Although many people do not associate exercise with oral hygiene, constantly exercising can help prevent these periodontal diseases by giving your body the proper blood flow to tackle and fight against these buildups.
Avoid smoking cigarettes and tobacco as this can not only accelerate the issue but also cause oral cancer. Eat a healthy diet consisting of plenty of vitamins and minerals to help keep your teeth strong.
Request an appointment here: https://pier210dental.com or call Pier 210 Dental Group at (530) 885-5696 for an appointment in our Auburn office.
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