Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN
You’ve likely heard how important it is to maintain healthy teeth and gums regularly. While you may count on your dentist for professional guidance, preventive care, and the required treatments, the responsibility for ensuring excellent oral health still rests with you. So, our Greeneville family dentists at Tusculum Dental Care share on the blog today the best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy to protect your smile and overall health.
Brush and Floss Daily
The best way to maintain healthy teeth and gums is to adhere to professional advice on proper dental hygiene.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), this is how you should clean and floss your teeth:
- Brush Twice a Day – Spend two minutes doing it twice daily.
- Choose a Soft-bristled Toothbrush – Brush lightly to prevent damaging your gums, which leads to gum recession and tooth enamel erosion.
- Properly Position the Toothbrush – Properly angling your toothbrush while brushing can make a difference in your cleaning efficiency. So, angle your toothbrush at approximately 45 degrees near the gum line and gently move the toothbrush using brief yet broad strokes.
- Floss Once Daily – A significant portion of individuals never floss. If you’re one of them, make an effort to start small and establish a reliable pattern. Remember that flossing is essential for clearing away food particles stuck between your teeth and under your gum line.
Our family dentists near Jonesborough are happy to provide a demonstration of proper brushing and flossing techniques at your next appointment.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Sugar is the mortal enemy of good oral health. To keep your teeth and gums healthy, consume more fruits and vegetables and avoid high sugar or carbohydrate foods. Our family dentists in Greeneville explain that some fruits and vegetables help maintain clean teeth and fresh breath. For example, fruits and vegetables like pears, apples, carrots, and celery contain malic acid, which can remove food particles and plaque. Additionally, fruits and vegetables are bursting with antioxidants like vitamin C that can shield your gums and other oral tissues against infections and cell damage brought on by oxidative stress.
Stop Smoking
You may already know how detrimental smoking can be to your overall health. However, studies show that smokers are more likely to develop a serious gum infection known as periodontal disease. Our family dentists in Erwin explain that periodontal disease is a severe condition that causes permanent problems, including tooth and bone loss. According to many research projects, smokers have a tenfold increased risk of oral cancer compared to nonsmokers.
Get Regular Checkups and Cleanings
Visiting our Greeneville dental office twice a year for routine exams and cleanings can help you get the most protection for your smile. When combined with at-home oral care routines, you can drastically reduce advanced conditions that require additional time and expense to repair. Since bacteria, plaque, and tartar can form in hard-to-reach areas, like between the teeth and below the gum line, it requires special tools to remove the substances and keep them from damaging tooth enamel. Additionally, when you visit the dentist regularly, they can monitor your oral health and spot problems early.
Family Dentists in Greeneville, Jonesborough, and Erwin, Tennessee
Keeping your teeth and gums healthy doesn’t have to be challenging when you properly care for your mouth. By following the above tips, you can maintain a beautiful, healthy smile. Our family dentists in Jonesborough at Tusculum Dental Care encourage you to schedule an appointment for a checkup and cleaning to get you started on the right foot. So, call our office at (423) 639-7575 or contact us online to schedule your appointment today.