Dental care is easy to overlook when you’re on the road and low on time. But forgetting to floss or ignoring a nagging toothache can trigger major complications. Here are some basic hygiene tips to keep teeth healthy, treat small conditions and prevent future problems.
Save Your Smile
Good dental care may seem as simple as brushing your teeth, but it takes more than a quick swipe with a ragged toothbrush to prevent cavities and gum disease. Without adequate hygiene, tooth decay leads to extensive problems and expensive dental bills.
Tooth decay occurs when plaque and tartar build up on teeth and around the gumline. Plaque results from bacteria in the mouth. It is sticky, colorless film that clings to teeth and feeds off food sugar. If you provide that bacteria with a steady stream of sugar, you’re setting the stage for tooth decay.
That’s why sipping sugary soft drinks throughout the day puts you at greater risk than drinking one cola with lunch. If you crave a sweet snack or cola to give you added energy over a long haul, make sure you drink water afterward to rinse your teeth. And, if you regularly chew gum or keep hard candies or even peppermints on hand, switch to sugar-free types.
Curbing the constant stream of sugar is a sure-fire bet to avoid tooth decay. Watch out for dry mouth, which can increase the risk for tooth decay and gum disease. Dry mouth is a common side effect of many medications, particularly high blood pressure pills and allergy medicines. The reduced flow of saliva in the mouth means bacteria aren’t washed away. Combat this condition by drinking ample amounts of water and cutting back on alcoholic and caffeinated beverages and tobacco.
Plaque can also attack the gumline, causing gums to recede. That can lead to painful sensitivity, and, ultimately, bone damage or tooth loss.
Brush Up on the Basics
If you forgo regular flossing, you’re putting your teeth at risk. Flossing swipes away bacteria and food along the gumline and between teeth that simple brushing can’t reach. Although it seems time-consuming, flossing daily takes just a couple of minutes, and it is a good step toward preventing costly dental bills. Ask your dentist for tips on correct flossing and cleaning techniques, particularly if you have bridge work or have had other dental procedures. If your gums bleed or are painful or inflamed after you floss, call your dentist. Those symptoms may signal a larger problem.
