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