5 Tips from a Periodontist for Healthy Teeth and Gums

With communities social distancing to help limit the spread of COVID-19, many individuals are understandably postponing their dental appointments. Now is an important opportunity, then, to evaluate personal oral hygiene practices and think about what actions you can take at home to protect your teeth and gums. Want some friendly professional advice? Here are 5 tips from a periodontist in Richardson to maintain a healthy smile. 

#1: Do Not Skip Flossing

While many people think brushing twice a day is adequate to protect their teeth, flossing should also be a part of your daily oral hygiene routine. Flossing is often the only way to remove tiny bits of food and debris stuck between teeth and near the gums. By preventing the buildup of plaque, flossing helps lower the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

#2: Kick the Tobacco Habit

Smoking or chewing tobacco not only can stain your teeth but also seriously damage oral tissue and interfere with the healing process following gum disease therapy. Habitual tobacco use can even cause oral cancer, a potentially deadly disease. If you want to protect your gums, teeth, and even your life, it is critical that you quit tobacco.

#3: Drink More Milk and Water

Do you drink a lot of soda or energy drinks? Many of these brightly-colored beverages contain high levels of sugar, which oral bacteria feed on and produce harmful acids. Try to reach for a glass of water or milk instead! Milk contains calcium, which helps harden enamel, the protective outer layer of teeth. Meanwhile, in many communities, water from the tap contains fluoride, a naturally-occurring mineral that helps protect teeth.

#4: Rinse with Mouthwash

Rinsing your mouth daily with alcohol-free mouthwash can help reduce plaque and prevent or reduce gum disease. Swish your mouthwash around your mouth for 30 to 60 seconds – as directed by the label – before spitting to remove tiny food particles and debris. Remember, rinsing with mouthwash should be a supplement to your oral care routine and not a replacement for daily brushing and flossing.

#5: Visit a Dentist in Richardson Every Six Months

Once things begin to open back up, do not wait to schedule an appointment with your dentist or periodontist in Richardson. According to the American Dental Association, visiting a dentist every six months for a routine dental exam and professional cleaning is essential to maintaining a healthy smile. Dental exams allow dentists to look for signs of tooth decay and other emerging dental problems that may not be obvious when looking at your teeth in the mirror at home. In addition, only a professional cleaning can remove harmful tartar buildup from teeth.

During these uncertain times, it is essential to look after oral and overall physical health. By following the 5 oral care tips above, you will be more likely to keep your gums and teeth in excellent shape until you can make it to your next dental checkup.

About the Author

Dr. Yaritza Vazquez is a core member of the team at EPO Dental Specialists, proudly serving the oral care needs of the Richardson and greater Dallas metro area communities. She completed her residency in periodontics at Boston University in 2009 and today is an active member of the American Academy of Periodontology. For more preventive oral care tips, visit the EPO Dental Specialists website or call Dr. Vazquez at 972-479-1200.