Tips for Healthier Teeth and Gums

I haven't posted much in the way of dental subjects so I thought I'd share some tips one how to have healthier teeth, along with some links to more detailed information. We all want to keep our own teeth for as long as we can so it's important to take good care of them by brushing and flossing regularly and doing some other things as well.

Here are some tips from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research:

- Brush your teeth every day with a fluoride toothpaste

- Floss your teeth every day

- Snack smart – limit sugary snacks

- Don't smoke or chew tobacco

- See your dentist regularly

And here are some guidelines from the American Dental Association for proper flossing:

- Using a piece of floss about 18 inches long, wrap it around the forefinger of both hands and hold it between the forefingers and thumbs. Forefingers will rotate the floss as it becomes dirty, ensuring that clean floss is used continually.

- Gently ease the floss between teeth and rub it against each tooth.

- Push the floss into a "C" shape against each tooth, sliding it gently between the tooth and gum, and up and down the tooth.

- Repeat on each tooth, making sure to get both sides of all teeth, even those in the back.

Here are some web sites for more detailed information on dental health:

Mouth and Teeth: How To Keep Them Healthy (American Academy of Family Physicians)

Oral Health: Brush Up on Dental Care Basics (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)

Taking Care of Your Teeth and Mouth (National Institute on Aging)