For years, your dentist has been recommending regular flossing, but now some studies are saying it might not be all that effective. So what should you believe — and, more importantly, what should you do? If you’re wondering whether flossing still offers teeth benefits, here’s what you need to know.
Keeping your teeth and gums healthy doesn’t only involve dental hygiene. While you should definitely brush, floss and regularly visit your dentist, the right diet can also protect your teeth and gums. Just as we have food good for our blood pressure and heart, we can eat certain foods to maintain our oral health.
Plaque is one of those dental buzzwords you expect to hear every time you visit the dentist’s office. If you haven’t brushed in a while, you might hear about your plaque buildup or see a demonstration from your oral hygienist on how to best combat plaque with your toothbrush and specific flossing techniques.
We all know the feeling — indulging in a garlicky meal or waking up with a wicked case of morning breath can result in an inconvenient mouth odor that requires some serious brushing or mint gum. But what if your oral hygiene routine and breath mints just don’t seem to be cutting it long term?
Your good health means everything — and when it comes to staying on top of self-care and making sure your whole body is healthy, your mouth is one of the most important places to pay attention to, clean and check on a regular basis. Essential to your breathing, speaking, digestive health and more, your mouth is connected to so many systems in your body, and it’s also one of your most defining features.
If you love your smile, your teeth and your body in general, you’re probably aware of how important it is to avoid conditions like gum disease or periodontitis. They can lead to irreversible gum recession, dental infections, inflammation, tooth loss and even health issues in other areas of the body — but did you know that these serious oral afflictions start with gingivitis?
We all know the feeling — indulging in a garlicky meal or waking up with a wicked case of morning breath can result in an inconvenient mouth odor that requires some serious brushing or mint gum. But what if your oral hygiene routine and breath mints just don’t seem to be cutting it long term?
Even if you do a decent job at taking care of your teeth, you may have had bleeding gums at some point in your life. It can be a scary thing to experience, especially when you spit out blood after brushing your teeth before bed.
You may not have heard of the term “stannous fluoride” before — but it’s an ingredient you’ve almost certainly used regularly in the form of your toothpaste tube or bottle of mouthwash. This naturally occurring mineral is a popular component in oral care products because of its ability to strengthen teeth, prevent cavities and repair tooth decay. As if those aren’t enough perks, stannous fluoride can also help keep your breath fresh and your gums protected against a bacterial disease called gingivitis.
Understanding how to maintain healthy gums is a crucial aspect of your dental health. Without proper gum care, your overall dental health will decline, which could lead to gum disease. In addition to gum disease being painful, it can also cause more complex dental problems in the future. Prioritizing your dental health can ensure your gums stay healthy, resulting in a brighter, whiter smile.
Brushing and flossing remain essential elements of any successful daily oral hygiene routine. What about using mouthwash or mouth rinse, though?
Many dentists recommend using mouthwash. However, it can be tough for consumers to figure out which mouthwash is suited to their personalized dental care needs. If you have wondered about all the types of mouthwash on the market, read on to pick one that can meet your needs.