One of the most important things you can do for your smile is to take steps to keep your oral tissues healthy. Your gum tissue provides a strong and healthy foundation for the rest of your smile. Our Saint Louis dentists have some suggestions on how you can properly care for your oral tissues day to day.
The first thing to do is, of course, to follow all of your dentist’s recommendations about brushing, flossing, and using mouth rinses. Twice daily brushing, along with nightly flossing will clear away newly developed plaque, thus making you less likely to develop periodontal disease.
Another simple habit that can make a big difference is rinsing your mouth with water after you eat or drink (something other than water). When you rinse your smile, you dislodge dental debris, and limit the amount of time that harmful acids and sweets sit on your gums. You’ll also find that your mouth feels and smells fresher throughout the day!
In order to protect your gums, you want to make sure that you’re using a toothbrush that is appropriate for your smile. If you are using a toothbrush that is too firm, you may actually be damaging your gums, and causing them to recede. Soft bristled toothbrushes are suitable for many patients, and gentle enough to safeguard your smile. Talk to your dentist about what type of bristle you should be using.
When you do get something stuck between your teeth—it happens to all of us at some point—please use floss to remove it. Metal and wooden toothpicks can actually damage your gums and lead to oral infections.
Our Saint Louis dentists are here to help you maintain a strong and healthy smile year to year. So, give us a call to schedule a consultation and get started!