Good Hygiene Keeps Gums in the Pink
Steer clear of advertising hype when it comes to gum care. Many fancy new - and expensive - tools and toothpastes are out there, often promising to clean better, make your teeth whiter, and even help you look younger. But you don't need gizmos and potions to keep your mouth healthy. You do need to follow the suggestions of the American Dental Association (ADA) concerning oral health.
Brush twice. Use fluoride toothpaste with the ADA seal of acceptance and buy a good toothbrush. Although not all the bells and whistles are necessary, a power brush that rotates and oscillates reduced gingivitis by 17 percent in one study. Similarly, don't bother with an expensive toothbrush sterilizer unless you have a lowered immune system. Instead, follow these rules.
- Don't share your toothbrush. Bacteria in your mouth cause tooth decay and gum disease, so keep yours to yourself.
- Rinse and tap your toothbrush after you use it to remove water and debris. Store it upright to air-dry - not covered or sealed.
- Replace your toothbrush every three or four months - sooner if the bristles look worn.
Floss every day. You know you should floss, so stop making excuses. Dentists say it is the best way to remove plaque from the crevices between your teeth. You may have seen some advertising claims that using mouthwash is as good as flossing, but don't believe them. Swishing with a mouthwash containing essential oils, like Listerine Antiseptic, can help fight plaque, but experts say it's no substitute for flossing.
See your dentist twice a year. Early gum disease often shows no sign, so let your dentist check. A special exam, called Periodontal Screening and Recording (PSR), can identify problems and keep tabs on your gum health. Your dentist will use a probe to measure how deep your gum pockets are. Deeper pockets give bacteria a place to hide and grow.
© FCA Publishing
Excerpt from FC&A's Old-Fashioned Cures and Proven Home Remedies.
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