A comprehensive dental health care plan is the best way to fight periodontal disease, but more than regular check-ups and a dentist at your beck-and-call, your first line of defense should be prevention.
Brush thoroughly twice a day (for at least the length of a pop song) with antimicrobial, fluoridated toothpastes and mouth rinses, which help build up resistance to tooth decay, and brush your tongue, too!
Consult your dentist to determine which products are suitable for you. Not all products are created equal, or are even appropriate for everyone.
Dental picks and dental sticks are preferable to toothpicks, so
buy a dental pick that's specifically designed for your teeth.
Everyone should bring a toothbrush and floss to work!
Floss! The most common good habit that people miss – flossing. Flossing requires a little more time, patience and dexterity than brushing, but it’s just as important. If you have very little space between your teeth, use a smaller, waxed type of thread.
Get a soft-bristled toothbrush, which will be easier on your gums and prevent gum recession. Remember to replace it every three months, or sooner if it becomes frayed.
Have a mouth rinse on-hand to reduce plaque build-up between the teeth, fight bacteria and kill germs that lead to cavities. Mouth rinses with alcohol as an ingredient can dry up your saliva, so choose wisely. Also, rinse your mouth out with water a couple of times daily to loosen food particles.
If you’re a sweet tooth, avoid hard candies and other sweets which stay in your mouth for longer periods of time than chocolate and other immediately swallowed treats. Sugar increases the acidity of saliva, allowing bacteria to thrive.
Jump to your phone and contact your dentist immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: red, tender or bleeding gums; gums that appear to be receding from your teeth; pus around your teeth and gums; a general bad taste in your mouth; loose teeth; changes in your teeth alignment; temperature sensitivity.
Dr. Clark Buehler brushes twice a day, and never forgets to floss.
