Invest in a floss holder A disposable one-use holder or the type you
thread with your favourite floss are both good choices if you find you
don't have the dexterity to clean carefully between your teeth by
grasping the floss with your hands. Floss once a day - it will take off
plaque and leftover food that a toothbrush can't reach. Be sure to rinse
afterwards.
Clean your tongue, Use your toothbrush or a special tongue-scraper to remove filmy material gently from your tongue. In one study of 51 sets of twins by the New York College of Dentistry, twins who added tongue-brushing to their tooth-cleaning and flossing routine reduced gum bleeding by 38 percent after just two weeks - and had less bad breath. In contrast, the twins' brothers and sisters who didn't brush their tongues had 4 percent more gum bleeding. Cleaning your tongue helps to remove bacteria that take up residence just below the gumline, damaging gums and leading to bigger problems.
Bleeding gums and bad breath are often the first signs of poor oral hygiene that may eventually lead to further periodontal disease. And it's well worth investing in a proper tongue-scraper. In a small study at the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil, the chemicals responsible for had breath were reduced by 75 percent after using a tongue-scraper, but only by 45 percent after tongue-cleaning with a toothbrush.
Rinse in the morning for your gums, at night for your teeth Studies show that rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash in the morning can significantly cut your risk of gum disease. But if you've had cavities recently, have un-flouridated water at home or have a dry mouth, you should also consider using fluoride mouthwash at night. And if you're very cavity-prone, your dentist may suggest coating your teeth with a special long-lasting fluoride gel that can protect your teeth between dental visits.
Swip fizzy drinks That means diet colas, too. The sugar in standard colas in certainly bad for your teeth, but even carbonated drinks with artificial sweeteners contain such strong acids that they can erode the protective enamel on your teeth, but even carbonated drinks with artificial sweeteners contain such strong acids that they can erode the protective enamel on your teeth. Most fizzy drinks are nearly as acidic as battery acid. The best bet for healthy teeth: sip water or unsweetened iced tea (tea may help to guard against gum disease, some research suggests). If you must have fizzy drinks, the British Dental Health Foundation
Fizzy drinks are highly acidic, with some approaching the levels of battery acid. Imagine the corrosive effect they have on your teeth
recommends sipping them through a straw to avoid contact with teeth, and drinking only with meals. Finish the meal with cheese or milk to help to neutralise the acid, or chew sugar-free gum afterwards to boost saliva flow to wash it out. Then wait at least an hour before cleaning your teeth, so you're not brushing away the weakened tooth surface.
Chow xylitol-sweetened gum If you're cavity-prone Xylitol, a sugar alcohol made from substances found in birch trees and other woods, may help to lower levels of cavity-producing acids made by bacteria in your mouth. Swedish researchers report. Even if xylitol levels are low, they may help somewhat-and sugar-free gum can also help to remove bits of food stuck deep in crevices on the chewing surfaces of your teeth.
Stiff hands? Pad your brush If arthritis has made your finger joints stiff or painful, gripping your brush for long enough to do all the cleaning your teeth need may be a challenge. Try slipping a piece of foam tubing over the end of your toothbrush (you'll find these in a bike shop or hardware shop). Other options: try a longer-handled brush to reach the back of your mouth more easily or slip a wide elastic band over your hand and tuck your brush handle underneath it. The band will help to hold up the brush so you don't have to grip it as tightly.
Treat bleeding gums as seriously as you would a cut anywhere else You wouldn't live with a scrape that made your hands bleed every time you washed them, and you shouldn't live with gums that bleed every time you brush or floss. If this is happening to you, first make sure you're faithfully brushing and flossing, then add an anti-gingivitis mouthwash. If bleeding persists, book a dental appointment.
Watch for subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs of gum disease You may have it if you have any of these symptoms: red, swollen or tender gums; gums that have pulled away from the teeth: persistent
Dental health isn't just about teeth and gums.
The state of your mouth affects almost every part of your body in ways that scientists are only
just beginning to understand
bad breath; pus between the teeth and gums (causing bad breath); loose or separating teeth; a change in the way the teeth fit together, or in the fit of partial dentures. You know a what to do: call the dentist.
See your dentist regularly Keep up with whatever appointments your dentist recommends, and ask each time if you need a professional cleaning, which removes calculus-hardened plaque that can make gums recede-even better than brushing and flossing. If your teeth bled when you brush or floss, book an extra appointment for your dentist to check for signs of oral cancer and other problems.
Investigate colour changes some teeth darken naturally with age, but sometimes darkening teeth can signal more than a cosmetic problem. Teeth can be discoloured by calculus, tartar or periodontal disease. Staining of the surface can also be caused by certain antibiotics or other types of medication, or through tiny cracks that take up stains. Whitening treatments are most effective for teeth that have become discoloured due to yellowing from age, tobacco, red wine, coffee or tea.
Turn in earlier - and stop smoking Japanese factory workers who slept seven to eight hours per night and who didn't smoke cigarettes were less likely to have gum disease than those who snoozed for six hours or less, say researchers. Those who didn't smoke and controlled their stress had better oral health, too. The connection? Lack of sleep, high stress and smoking all lower immunity, giving infection under the gumline free rein.
To battle dry mouth
Review your medication with your doctor Drugs that can cause reduced saliva production include antihistamines, decongestants, painkillers and diuretics. Ask if you can change prescriptions or cut back.
Buy a water bottle with a shoulder strap - then fill it up, slip it on and go Sipping water throughout the day can help to remedy decreased saliva. Carry your own so you've always got a no-cost supply at the ready. Slip the shoulder strap over your head and under one arm so you're carrying your bottle messenger-style. simply hooking the strap over your shoulder, as you would a handbag, could leak to neck and back pain.
Check out sugar-free gum Stimulate saliva flow by chewing on sugar-free gum, especially after meals. Look for brands containing xylitol, a natural, sugar-free sweetener that can reduce levels of mouth bacteria, helping to fight periodontal disease and tooth decay as well.
Test-drive aids for dry mouths Artificial saliva products, available as sprays, gels or lozenges, may take your mouth more comfortable. Your GP may prescribe them, or some are available over the counter.
Clean your tongue, Use your toothbrush or a special tongue-scraper to remove filmy material gently from your tongue. In one study of 51 sets of twins by the New York College of Dentistry, twins who added tongue-brushing to their tooth-cleaning and flossing routine reduced gum bleeding by 38 percent after just two weeks - and had less bad breath. In contrast, the twins' brothers and sisters who didn't brush their tongues had 4 percent more gum bleeding. Cleaning your tongue helps to remove bacteria that take up residence just below the gumline, damaging gums and leading to bigger problems.
Bleeding gums and bad breath are often the first signs of poor oral hygiene that may eventually lead to further periodontal disease. And it's well worth investing in a proper tongue-scraper. In a small study at the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil, the chemicals responsible for had breath were reduced by 75 percent after using a tongue-scraper, but only by 45 percent after tongue-cleaning with a toothbrush.
Rinse in the morning for your gums, at night for your teeth Studies show that rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash in the morning can significantly cut your risk of gum disease. But if you've had cavities recently, have un-flouridated water at home or have a dry mouth, you should also consider using fluoride mouthwash at night. And if you're very cavity-prone, your dentist may suggest coating your teeth with a special long-lasting fluoride gel that can protect your teeth between dental visits.
Swip fizzy drinks That means diet colas, too. The sugar in standard colas in certainly bad for your teeth, but even carbonated drinks with artificial sweeteners contain such strong acids that they can erode the protective enamel on your teeth, but even carbonated drinks with artificial sweeteners contain such strong acids that they can erode the protective enamel on your teeth. Most fizzy drinks are nearly as acidic as battery acid. The best bet for healthy teeth: sip water or unsweetened iced tea (tea may help to guard against gum disease, some research suggests). If you must have fizzy drinks, the British Dental Health Foundation
Fizzy drinks are highly acidic, with some approaching the levels of battery acid. Imagine the corrosive effect they have on your teeth
recommends sipping them through a straw to avoid contact with teeth, and drinking only with meals. Finish the meal with cheese or milk to help to neutralise the acid, or chew sugar-free gum afterwards to boost saliva flow to wash it out. Then wait at least an hour before cleaning your teeth, so you're not brushing away the weakened tooth surface.
Chow xylitol-sweetened gum If you're cavity-prone Xylitol, a sugar alcohol made from substances found in birch trees and other woods, may help to lower levels of cavity-producing acids made by bacteria in your mouth. Swedish researchers report. Even if xylitol levels are low, they may help somewhat-and sugar-free gum can also help to remove bits of food stuck deep in crevices on the chewing surfaces of your teeth.
Stiff hands? Pad your brush If arthritis has made your finger joints stiff or painful, gripping your brush for long enough to do all the cleaning your teeth need may be a challenge. Try slipping a piece of foam tubing over the end of your toothbrush (you'll find these in a bike shop or hardware shop). Other options: try a longer-handled brush to reach the back of your mouth more easily or slip a wide elastic band over your hand and tuck your brush handle underneath it. The band will help to hold up the brush so you don't have to grip it as tightly.
Treat bleeding gums as seriously as you would a cut anywhere else You wouldn't live with a scrape that made your hands bleed every time you washed them, and you shouldn't live with gums that bleed every time you brush or floss. If this is happening to you, first make sure you're faithfully brushing and flossing, then add an anti-gingivitis mouthwash. If bleeding persists, book a dental appointment.
Watch for subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs of gum disease You may have it if you have any of these symptoms: red, swollen or tender gums; gums that have pulled away from the teeth: persistent
Dental health isn't just about teeth and gums.
The state of your mouth affects almost every part of your body in ways that scientists are only
just beginning to understand
bad breath; pus between the teeth and gums (causing bad breath); loose or separating teeth; a change in the way the teeth fit together, or in the fit of partial dentures. You know a what to do: call the dentist.
See your dentist regularly Keep up with whatever appointments your dentist recommends, and ask each time if you need a professional cleaning, which removes calculus-hardened plaque that can make gums recede-even better than brushing and flossing. If your teeth bled when you brush or floss, book an extra appointment for your dentist to check for signs of oral cancer and other problems.
Investigate colour changes some teeth darken naturally with age, but sometimes darkening teeth can signal more than a cosmetic problem. Teeth can be discoloured by calculus, tartar or periodontal disease. Staining of the surface can also be caused by certain antibiotics or other types of medication, or through tiny cracks that take up stains. Whitening treatments are most effective for teeth that have become discoloured due to yellowing from age, tobacco, red wine, coffee or tea.
Turn in earlier - and stop smoking Japanese factory workers who slept seven to eight hours per night and who didn't smoke cigarettes were less likely to have gum disease than those who snoozed for six hours or less, say researchers. Those who didn't smoke and controlled their stress had better oral health, too. The connection? Lack of sleep, high stress and smoking all lower immunity, giving infection under the gumline free rein.
To battle dry mouth
Review your medication with your doctor Drugs that can cause reduced saliva production include antihistamines, decongestants, painkillers and diuretics. Ask if you can change prescriptions or cut back.
Buy a water bottle with a shoulder strap - then fill it up, slip it on and go Sipping water throughout the day can help to remedy decreased saliva. Carry your own so you've always got a no-cost supply at the ready. Slip the shoulder strap over your head and under one arm so you're carrying your bottle messenger-style. simply hooking the strap over your shoulder, as you would a handbag, could leak to neck and back pain.
Check out sugar-free gum Stimulate saliva flow by chewing on sugar-free gum, especially after meals. Look for brands containing xylitol, a natural, sugar-free sweetener that can reduce levels of mouth bacteria, helping to fight periodontal disease and tooth decay as well.
Test-drive aids for dry mouths Artificial saliva products, available as sprays, gels or lozenges, may take your mouth more comfortable. Your GP may prescribe them, or some are available over the counter.
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