Just like other parts of our body, our teeth and gums require proper care in order to keep them healthy and strong. Having healthy gums and teeth is one of the keys to avoiding teeth and gum disease that would ruin the beauty of your natural teeth.

Most people think that brushing is enough to maintain healthy teeth and gums; however, it is not enough. There are still plenty of steps you can take for a complete oral health care routine. There are actually 4 basic steps to maintain the health of our teeth and gums.

However, one of the most important things you should do is to visit your dentist Collingwood regularly, at least twice a year. Getting regular check-ups helps a lot in the early detection of teeth or gum problems, making it easier to fight them before it gets worse.

Here are the 4 basics you’ll need to do in order to keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong.

Brushing

Brushing your teeth properly is the first step in cleaning the teeth and gums. Proper brushing removes plaque, food debris, and other things that are stuck in the teeth which can cause decay. It is recommended that you brush your teeth at least twice a day but you can actually do more depending on the need.

Be sure to use fluoride toothpaste when brushing teeth because this element helps strengthen the tooth enamel, reinforcing the health and strength of your teeth. Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or earlier when it looks already worn out to maintain its cleaning efficiency.

Flossing

After brushing the teeth, there will still be a few foodstuffs stuck in between teeth or on those hard to reach areas. Flossing after brushing is essential to deeply clean the teeth and gums, preventing tooth decay from forming up. These stuck foodstuffs will harden into plaque when left in place that’s why it is important to floss regularly. When flossing, always be gentle in pushing the floss in between teeth to avoid injuring the gums.

Rinsing

After brushing and flossing, the last step to complete it all is to rinse with a mouthwash. Rinsing removes all the harmful bacteria all throughout the mouth, even on those places that can’t be reached by the toothbrush and floss. After flossing, take a mouthwash and swish it all around your mouth for at least 30 seconds then spit it out. The most recommended mouthwashes are those with fluoride or anti-bacterial content for a thorough clean.

Eat Right

Aside from those routine, you also need to eat the right foods to keep your teeth healthy. Some foods are not good for the teeth and should be avoided – sugary, sticky, starchy foods. Sweet drinks can also harm the teeth unless they are natural fruit juices.

Being watchful with what we eat and drink combined with a proper oral cleaning routine are the ways in keeping your teeth and gums healthy and strong all year round.