The health of your teeth and gums often reflects your overall health. However, certain factors like aging, a poor diet, and poor oral hygiene habits can weaken the strength of your teeth. Strong teeth and healthy gums enable you to eat a wide range of foods and contribute to overall health and wellness. The good news is that you can improve the strength of your teeth and gums in many ways. Read on to learn more.
Brush Your Teeth Regularly
There are many reasons why brushing your teeth every day is important, and it is not only to prevent bad breath. Regular dental care helps to avoid gingivitis, a mild type of gum disease, and tooth decay and maintains the strength of your natural teeth. Even though many people brush their teeth every day, it is typically done without much thought and not done correctly.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your teeth twice daily. Your toothbrush needs to have soft bristles. The ADA also suggests changing your toothbrush every three to four months or if the bristles are worn out. Using toothpaste with fluoride, an ADA-approved ingredient, is also advised as it helps prevent gum disease and cavities.
You should also use your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards the gums. Next, clean the base of the gums and teeth and then move upwards toward the biting surface of the teeth. Ensure you are brushing efficiently and reaching all areas of your teeth. Brush your teeth gently to avoid harming your gums. If you brush too aggressively, your gums could recede, and your teeth could become sensitive. Brushing too aggressively can also cause your teeth to become loose, possibly the worst possible outcome.
Flossing
Despite having good tooth-brushing skills, using a toothbrush has certain limitations. For example, a toothbrush cannot eliminate plaque or small food particles stuck between teeth or clean underneath the gum line or under braces.
This is when flossing becomes crucial. The ADA suggests using floss or other interdental cleaners once a day to clean your teeth. Like brushing, you should be gentle when flossing to prevent damage to your gums.
When flossing, make sure to:
- Slowly glide the dental floss back and forth gently between two adjacent teeth. Next, carefully bring it down to the base of the gums, making sure not to apply too much force—there should be no pain.
- Next, curve the floss into a "C" shape between the two teeth and gently remove any debris from the sides of each tooth.
- Then, go through the same steps with the remaining teeth. Remember to clean the difficult-to-reach teeth in the back, as they are likely to require the most attention
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling involves swishing an edible oil—like coconut oil—around your mouth for twenty minutes. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), oil pulling can improve oral health by removing accumulated plaque. The procedure also cleanses the mouth of bacteria and prevents them from adhering to the teeth.
Coconut oil is often used for oil pulling. This is due to its high lauric acid content, which is known to eliminate harmful viruses, fungi, and bacteria in the body. One study tested the antibacterial properties of 30 various fatty acids. Lauric acid was determined to be the most efficient choice.
There are many advantages to oil pulling, including the following:
1. Reduction of Bacteria
Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria on your teeth, can lead to various oral issues, such as gum inflammation, cavities, and other problems. Streptococcus mutans is another type of bacteria that can cause oral health issues.
In a study, oil pulling reduced the number of streptococcus mutans in 60 individuals. Additionally, the study discovered that coconut oil had the same efficacy as chlorhexidine mouthwash in decreasing streptococcus mutants in children.
2. Prevents Dental Cavities
Oil pulling is also effective in decreasing cavities. Tartar formation from plaque can lead to cavities in teeth, and oil pulling can decrease the bacterial strains responsible for cavity formation.
3. Addressing Halitosis
Oil pulling may also help treat halitosis. Halitosis is an unpleasant mouth odor, often called “bad breath.” This condition can cause shame and make patients withdraw. It can sometimes even lead to discrimination.
Several common causes of bad breath in individuals are inadequate oral care, infection, and gum disease. Oil pulling is shown to be effective in addressing halitosis.
4. Reduces Gum Inflammation
People with gingivitis usually experience inflamed, red gums that bleed. Plaque contains the bacteria that cause gingivitis. Oil pulling is a successful method to treat inflammation by reducing bacteria and plaque that lead to gingivitis.
Reducing inflammation can be enhanced by using oils containing anti-inflammatory properties, such as coconut oil. A study discovered that individuals had less plaque after one week of oil-pulling with coconut oil.
Avoid Foods With High Sugar Content
All the foods and drinks you consume come into your body through your mouth. This can be a pathway for bad bacteria to access your oral cavity. Several research studies have indicated that certain harmful bacteria generate acid in the mouth when they come into contact with and break down sugar. This implies that each time you ingest sugar, these bacteria generate increasing amounts of acid that erodes your teeth.
Your saliva helps to counteract their effect, but excessive sugar produces an acid surplus that exceeds your saliva's ability to fight the bacteria off. If there is a recurring pattern of acid attacks, your dental enamel experiences mineral loss. As time passes, the acid gradually reduces the strength of the enamel and creates cavities.
Streptococcus mutans and streptococcus sobrinus are the two harmful bacteria in the mouth. Both types of bacteria consume sugar and produce plaque. Dentists can remove This sticky substance from your teeth during a regular check-up. However, if the plaque remains on your teeth without being removed by brushing or saliva, it will turn acidic over time and erode the enamel on your teeth.
Sugar produces acids that attract the small bacteria responsible for gingivitis and gum disease. These conditions can lead to your gums moving away from your teeth and damaging the supportive tissues that keep your teeth in place.
Natural sources of sugar include fruits, vegetables, and honey. However, sugar can also be consumed through everyday snacks such as chips and cookies. Foods high in refined sugars are especially harmful. They create a sticky film on your teeth. Saliva cannot easily remove this film.
Brushing, flossing, using mouthwash, and undergoing dental cleanings are the main methods for eliminating plaque buildup. While it is important to limit sugar intake overall, regularly snacking on sugary foods can prolong the exposure of your teeth to acid, leading to an increased risk of decay and dental cavities.
Use Herbal Mouthwashes
Herbal mouthwashes contain antimicrobial ingredients. These include:
- Tea tree oil
- Peppermint
- Cloves
The organic ingredients can eliminate harmful bacteria in your mouth. A study by the National Institute of Health (NIH) shows that including herbal mouthwash in your dental care routine can help you reduce plaque, prevent gum disease, and improve oral hygiene. These all-natural solutions can help to improve long-term dental health and create a healthier oral environment.
Quit Smoking
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smokers are almost twice as likely to develop gum disease compared to non-smokers.
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an inflammatory disease that impacts the gingiva, periodontal ligaments (the tissues that hold teeth in place), and alveolar bone. It is characterized by three stages including:
- Gingivitis is mainly identified by gums that are swollen
- Moderate periodontitis is identified by bone loss and bacterial pockets near your gumline
- Advanced periodontitis is distinguished by additional bone loss and deeper periodontal pockets
Smoking also compromises the immune system, which helps your body fight off infections. This complicates the ability to combat gum infections. If you already have gum disease, smoking complicates the healing process for your gums. Therefore, stopping these habits can significantly improve your oral health.
Massaging Your Gums
Gingival or gum massage is a gentle oral care method in which the gums are massaged using the fingertips. For the best results, include this practice in your daily oral health routine. The goal is to support gum health by removing plaque between teeth. If plaque is not removed regularly, it can lead to gum disease.
Massaging your gums has the potential to:
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Reduce Plaque
Gum massage helps decrease plaque accumulation by removing food particles from between the teeth and along the gums. This aids in avoiding the build-up of bacteria on your teeth, which can lead to tooth decay or other discomforting issues like gingivitis.
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Boost Blood Flow
Regularly massaging gums enhances circulation in the mouth, improving oxygen delivery to cells, including those in the dental pulp. This ultimately enhances circulation, promoting healthier gum tissue and reducing gum sensitivity.
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Facilitate Healing
Massaging the gums promotes gum health by speeding up the healing process between dental procedures like tooth scaling or surgery. It also promotes health and prevents infection.
Clean Your Tongue
Although many individuals focus on maintaining healthy teeth and gums, they frequently overlook the care of their tongue. It is important to clean your tongue daily as well. The tongue's bumpy texture makes gathering and retaining bacteria and tiny particles easy. Over time, these substances build up and create a multi-layered biofilm on the tongue. Water alone cannot effectively infiltrate the biofilm and remove the bacteria it contains.
Maintaining a clean tongue can provide benefits such as:
- Decrease the increase of bacteria
- Manage unpleasant mouth odor
Eat Foods Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Certain nutrients can enhance oral health by safeguarding your teeth and gums against bacteria and decay. Below are minerals and vitamins that can help your dental health:
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Calcium and Vitamin D
Calcium and Vitamin D work together to safeguard your teeth and bones. Your teeth can be negatively impacted if you do not have enough calcium and vitamin D. Eating a diet rich in foods such as milk, yogurt, cheese, broccoli, kale, wild salmon, eggs, and herring will help you receive the right amount of calcium and vitamin D to keep your bones and teeth strong. Certain people may require supplements to achieve optimal levels.
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Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for maintaining healthy gums. It strengthens the blood vessels and connective tissue, sustaining the connection between teeth and jawbone. Vitamin C is one of the most potent antioxidants, helping decrease inflammation, a significant cause of gingivitis, a gum disease.
Plenty of vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables can lower the risk of developing gum disease. Foods rich in Vitamin C include:
- Strawberries
- Pineapple
- Kohlrabi
- Papaya
- Lemons
- Broccoli
- Kale
- Brussels sprouts
- Kidney beans
- Kiwi
- Cantaloupe
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
Since vitamin C is sensitive to heat, you should learn about different preparation techniques to maximize the benefits of nutrient-rich foods.
Drink Green Tea
If you do not like drinking plain water all day, try switching to unsweetened herbal green tea. Taking green tea regularly provides numerous health benefits, including improved oral health as a notable advantage. Green tea contains high levels of catechins and strong antioxidants that are well-known for their anti-inflammatory effects on the gums.
Additionally, these catechins have antimicrobial properties that effectively fight against harmful bacteria in the mouth. Green tea helps prevent cavities and promotes dental health by stopping cavity-causing organisms from multiplying. Integrating green tea into your everyday schedule can be a pleasant and natural way to promote optimal oral health.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking clean water can help your teeth and gums become free of bacteria and food particles. It also helps lessen the damaging acids that oral bacteria produce. Tooth decay may be more likely to occur in a dry mouth. Water consumption increases salivary flow, which helps maintain healthy teeth by washing them with vital minerals.
Treat Bruxism
Bruxism is when you grind, gnash, or clench your teeth too much and without meaning. You can do this while sleeping or when you are awake. Many factors can cause bruxism.
These factors include:
- Stress
- Misaligned teeth
- Anxiety
- An uneven bite
If not treated, this problem can harm teeth and general oral health. Recognizing the signs of bruxism is important. You need the right diagnosis and treatment to avoid further harm. This helps maintain good oral health.
Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Chewing sugar-free gum helps produce saliva, which contains essential minerals that strengthen teeth. If you have a dry mouth, gum can boost saliva and support healthy teeth.
Gum is also a good alternative for not brushing your teeth after meals or snacks. Chewing gum increases saliva flow, which helps neutralize acids and remove food particles and bacteria from your teeth and gums.
Treat Any Stomach Problems
A National Institute of Health (NIH) study reports that 70 million individuals experience digestive problems. These problems may arise from dietary choices, rapid eating, and other causes. Make sure to visit your physician and address any digestive issues, such as:
1. Gastroesophageal Reflex Disease
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or heartburn, causes a burning feeling in the chest. It normally creates an unpleasant taste in your mouth. Heartburn can also harm your teeth. It lets stomach acids enter the mouth, which can erode tooth enamel. The acidity from stomach acid can lead to greater erosion than the acids produced by plaque in the mouth.
2. Peptic Ulcers
These lesions form in the lining of the stomach, lower esophagus, or small intestine. This condition is prevalent in the United States, affecting over 6 million individuals annually. Some medications for this condition can harm your oral health. They may cause problems like dry mouth or changes in taste.
3. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease, or IBD, is a chronic digestive system inflammation. In children, IBD can harm oral health. It can cause symptoms like sores, infections, bleeding, and swollen gums. Medications for IBD can also cause oral health issues. These include dry mouth, gingivitis, and tongue inflammation.
If you have one of the specified common disorders or other stomach problems, you should know that they can impact your mouth. Discuss any digestive issues with your dentist to help you maintain good oral health.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
Natural remedies can help your oral health, but they should not replace professional dental care. Use them alongside regular dentist visits. Routine dental check-ups and cleanings are important because they help detect and treat oral health issues early.
Dentists have the skills and tools to detect problems early. Some of the oral issues include:
- Cavities
- Gum disease
- Oral cancer
This allows for quick treatment and helps prevent other issues from developing. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings ensure good oral care and help maintain a healthy smile for years. Adding these tips to your daily routine can improve the health of your teeth and gums. It keeps your mouth fresh and lowers the risk of dental problems over time.
Find a Tarzana Dentist Near Me
Maintaining healthy gums and teeth and gums is easy. By following these simple tips, you can achieve a brighter, healthier smile and improve your dental health without using artificial products or undergoing invasive treatments. Schedule an appointment at Tarzana Dental Care for personalized expert advice and dental care on maintaining oral health. Our knowledgeable staff is dedicated to assisting you in maintaining optimal oral health. Give us a call at 818-708-3232 to speak with one of our dentists today.