Tips For A Healthy Mouth
March 15, 2009 by Jack
Some say laughter is the best medicine. And that’s pretty good advice. Laughing and smiling can help reduce stress and make you feel good. It’s also good advice to listen to what your mouth is telling you. If your gums are swollen, tender or bleeding, you may have periodontal (gum) disease. This is a serious disease that if left untreated can lead to tooth loss and pain. Hormone changes, stress, diet and medicines can cause gum problems. Women who have gum disease during pregnancy are seven times more likely to have a baby that is born too early or too small.
• Brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes, twice a day,with fluoride toothpaste.
• Use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Replace it every 3 or 4 months.
• Don’t smoke or chew tobacco. Smoking and chewing tobacco can cause gum problems and mouth cancer.
• Use dental floss every day to get rid of the food that gets stuck between your teeth.
• See your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning to remove plaque (tartar) buildup and to check for any problems.
• Reduce your stress.
• Control your diabetes.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Tell your dentist if you are pregnant and what medicines you take.
