It’s Oral Awareness Month and time to think about the health of your teeth and gums. Ensuring your dental hygiene is a lifetime commitment and while chewing gum is undoubtedly one of the heroes in achieving fresher breath, chewing sugar-free gum can help prevent cavities as it assists in removing food particles from the surfaces of your teeth.
Chewing also stimulates the production of saliva, which helps clear away food, strengthen teeth, and reduce the levels of acid that can cause tooth decay. However, there are other critical processes to keeping your teeth and gums in tip-top condition. Orbit highlights six of these:
Brush properly: Brushing your teeth is definitely key to maintaining a healthy mouth and gums. The way you brush is equally as important as the frequency. It is recommended that you brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes a time. Don’t neglect your tongue in the process as the build-up of plaque on your tongue can lead to further dental issues.
Toothpaste: While brushing your teeth is an important part of maintaining your oral health, it is equally as important to choose the correct toothpaste. When selecting a toothpaste, check whether it contains fluoride. The mineral is the leading defence against tooth decay as it strengthens tooth enamel and creates a protective barrier for your teeth.
Floss: Dentists recommend that you floss every day as it removes food and plaque between the teeth and gums. Excess food and plaque can produce tartar, which is a build-up of bacteria that can lead to gum disease.
Dental check-ups: Visiting your dentist includes a professional cleaning of the mouth, which is the most effective way to remove tartar from the teeth, as well as eliminate excess plaque.
Consider a mouthwash: Mouthwash reduces the amount of acid in the mouth, cleans hard-to-brush areas in and around the gums, and re-mineralizes the teeth.
Diet: Limit sugary and acidic food as sugar converts into acid in the mouth, which can erode the enamel on your teeth. Acid in the mouth is what leads to cavities. It’s a good idea to drink water with your meals as it can assist in washing out some of the effects of sugary and acidic food and beverages.
