Dental health isn’t all about having sparkling teeth to display during photo moments or munch on any kind of food you desire. The health of your gums also matters, and millions of people have diseased gums and they don’t even know it. Dental One Care doesn’t want you to be one of those blissfully ignorant people, and it has compiled the following tips to help you to keep your gums healthy.
Brush Twice a Day
This seems so basic, but you would be shocked by how many people neglect to perform this crucial oral health activity. Dr. Fardi Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, explains that it takes plaque approximately 24 hours to form and start hardening into tartar (calculus). By brushing twice a day, you disrupt this plaque and tartar formation process so that bacteria doesn’t get lodged beneath your gum line to cause you gum disease. So, take the hint and start brushing twice a day and make sure that you brush all the surfaces of your teeth each time.
Use the Right Toothpaste
If you thought that all toothpaste was created the same, take a closer look at the different kinds of toothpaste in the toothpaste aisle of your local convenience store. Some toothpaste is meant to whiten your teeth, other types are for people with sensitive teeth, some varieties are for kids, and some toothpaste is fluoride-free. There’s a variety of toothpaste for every conceivable need. Which type is right for you? First, the experts at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights recommend that you narrow down your options to toothpaste which have the ADA (American Dental Association) seal of approval. This shows you that the toothpaste has been endorsed by dental professionals as being helpful in protecting dental health. Secondly, select a toothpaste that contains fluoride since it has a track record of protecting teeth from decay and damage by bacteria. The rest is just bells and whistles (flavors, etc.).
Know When to Rinse Your Mouth
Rinsing the mouth can have two totally different effects depending on when it is done. For example, rinsing your mouth with water just after you have had a meal is a good habit because it washes away any food particles which may have remained stuck on your teeth. However, it isn’t advisable to rinse your mouth with water immediately after brushing because you want the fluoride in the toothpaste to have a few minutes to work its protective magic on your teeth. Rinsing immediately washes that fluoride away! Dr. Fardi Farhat, therefore, recommends that you wait a minute or so after brushing your teeth before you rinse your mouth.
Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash
While still on the subject of rinsing your mouth, dentists in Sterling Heights also recommend that you use a medicinal rather than esthetic (making your breath smell fresh) mouthwash. This mouthwash will kill any bacteria growing in your mouth and your gums will be protected from gum disease. Read the product labels of different mouthwashes available and pick one that is antibacterial. Alternatively, you can ask Dr. Fardi Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, for the best brands to buy.
Floss Daily
We asked our friend, Dr. Kristina Neda, a dentist in Georgetown, KY, about important dental care habits. Dr. Neda says flossing may be one of the most important daily habits you can have. Your toothbrush may not be able to reach all the areas that need to be cleaned. For example, a toothbrush is unable to reach the gum between teeth. Such hard-to-reach areas are best cleaned by flossing on a daily basis, regardless of what time you decide to floss. Remember, plaque starts hardening into tartar within 24 hours, so flossing once a day gives you a chance to catch that plaque when it is still pliable.
Get Off Cigarettes
Another damaging habit that will certainly compromise the health of your gums is smoking. The chemicals in cigarettes are very harsh on the gums and soon cause them to be inflamed. The same chemicals also make it hard for the gums to heal, so you will quickly slide into a spiral of gum issues if you smoke. Talk to the experts at Dental One Care for suggestions on what to do and who to see for help in quitting smoking. As you work towards quitting smoking, the team of Dr. Fardi Farhat will treat the dental health problems caused by smoking.
Schedule Dental Cleanings Every Six Months
You can also ensure that you have healthy gums all your life by visiting Dental One Care for professional dental cleanings every six months and a checkup at least once a year. This professional care is important because any developing issues will be caught and treated early before they cause extensive damage to your dental health. For example, gingivitis can be caught early and reversed before it progresses to periodontal disease which can cause irreversible damage to your teeth, jaw, and gums.
Watch Your Diet
Your diet also plays a big part in determining whether your gums will be healthy or plagued by disease. For example, a person who limits the consumption of sticky or sugary drinks and foods stands a higher chance of having healthy teeth and gums when compared to another whose diet contains a lot of these substances. Dr. Fardi Farhat recommends that you eat a diet that is teeth-friendly, such as consuming foods rich in calcium (yogurt, milk, etc.). A balanced diet is crucial to availing all the nutrients that your gums and teeth need to stay healthy.
Stay Hydrated
Keeping hydrated is beneficial to your oral health, especially your gums. A hydrated body will usually secrete enough saliva to maintain a correct pH balance in the mouth while also washing the oral environment to get rid of food particles, bacteria and other contaminants in the mouth. Take about 8 glasses of water each day so that your body stays hydrated. The amount of water you need will vary in accordance with the time of the year, the activities you are engaged in and your overall health. Listen to your body and hydrate accordingly.
Despite all your efforts to keep your gums healthy, you may still develop gum disease. When that happens (if you notice that your gums are inflamed, bleeding or swollen, etc.), contact Dental One Care for prompt treatment. The timely treatment promotes oral health because diseases aren’t given a chance to progress. So, call us each time you notice something unusual about your oral health. Dr. Fardi Farhat will conduct a thorough examination and design an appropriate treatment plan to bring you back to good oral health.
3 Tips To Ensure The Longevity Of Veneers
Veneers are made of a thin material that covers each tooth. This is a great option if you want to restore your smile’s natural beauty. Whether it is staining, uneven bite or decay, these porcelain coverings will make quick work of helping you achieve the natural appearance you want.
However, damage can set in fast when you aren’t careful. Veneers are not indestructible. They can crack and chip like natural teeth. Thus, biting down on hard foods like ice and inedible items will result in a damaged surface. Moreover, veneers are capable of staining, so a Sterling Heights dentist warns against their repeated exposure to wine, tea or coffee.
Porcelain veneers are sturdy. How long your veneers last will depend on how you care for them. With proper care, they should last for 10-15 years. Veneers might need a full replacement or cosmetic repair, depending on the type of damage incurred.
How to Make Your Veneers Last
There are only few things you can do to expand the lifespan of your veneers since they are not meant to be a maintenance-free and permanent fix. Still, you can get the most out of them if you treat them well. Veneers are an excellent investment in your dental health, so make sure to take measures to help them last longer.
1. Follow Good Oral Care Regimen
To avoid stains and to maintain your natural dental health, clean your mouth regularly. Brush at least twice a day using the right toothpaste. Also, floss daily and see your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and dental check-ups.
2. Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools
Most people are guilty of using their teeth instead of scissors to cut or tear things, for example, or to loosen a knot. When it comes to ensuring the integrity of your teeth and the longevity of veneers, these are some of the most dangerous habits. These will invite germs. Also, these will chip your veneers, prematurely ending their lifespan.
3. Address Bruxism
Bruxism is a condition wherein one clenches or grinds their teeth while sleeping. If you have bruxism and you are getting veneers, tell your dentist about it. Unchecked teeth grinding might result in cracked veneers. Your dentist might recommend the use of a nighttime mouth guard.
Veneers are among the best methods for achieving the perfect smile you want. Although porcelain veneers are durable, they aren’t indestructible. You still need to practice good oral care habits. Skipping out on basic oral hygiene habits can lead to costly repairs or surfaces showing early wear. By treating your veneers with care, they can last for more than a decade.