Bonitas Member Magazine 2018 - B-Living Issue 1 | Page 28

10 tips to keep your gums and teeth healthy Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss, and it also is the most common oral disease in the world. Healthy teeth and gums require a commitment from you but once you, get into the habit of doing these ten simple things, the benefi ts are worth the eff ort. Brush twice a day as thoroughly as possible Brush twice a day, once after breakfast and again before you go to bed. Some people may be brushing several times a day but only remove a small amount of plaque and food because of incorrect brushing techniques. The secret to good brushing is spending time (at least 2 minutes) and covering all sides of the tooth, especially the back teeth as these teeth are most at risk of cavity formation. Visit your dentist regularly Regular dental check-ups may eff ectively track the early signs of gum disease, and early treatment will prevent it from spreading before it gets worse. Rinse with mouthwash Mouthwash is used after brushing your teeth. It is a great cleaner, because if you rinse well, it may pass through the tiniest spaces between your teeth. This gives added protection to your teeth during the day. Quit smoking The systemic harm of smoking is well documented. The oral eff ects of smoking include tannins that settle on the teeth causing discolouration and damage to the taste buds and salivary glands altering the perception of taste and chewing. In addition, smoking can cause bad breath and lead to oral cancer and periodontal complications. Minimise sugar intake Replace your toothbrush regularly Your toothbrush may be a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. It is often moist and kept in an enclosed storage that creates an environment for bacterial growth. A good rule of thumb would be to change your toothbrush every three to four months or when you notice that the bristles are changing colour or spreading. Use the right technique Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle and brush with both small back and forth strokes and up and down strokes. To clean behind your teeth and gums, place the bristles at a 45-degree angle again and repeat the brushing motion. Use gentle pressure to prevent gum erosion and bleeding. Floss before brushing Sugar is the food of bacteria and results in decalcifi cation of the enamel, which is the fi rst step of caries formation. Avoid eating sugar-loaded foods like sweets, cookies, cakes, pastries, fi zzy drinks and dried fruits. Don’t forget to brush your tongue Brushing your tongue can help remove bacteria and prevent bad breath. Gently brush with your toothbrush or use a tongue scraper to remove bacteria and prevent plaque from building up. Drink more water Water won’t stain your teeth or lead to cavities. It actually helps prevent cavities by washing away sugars and acids that could linger on your teeth and cause damage and decay. Add mint to your water to freshen your breath as well. A lot of food particles can get stuck in between teeth and brushing doesn’t eff ectively clean these tight spaces. Flossing will clean these hard-to-reach areas. Page 27 B-Living Issue 1, 2018