Having proper oral hygiene is the first step (if not the most important) in having healthy teeth and gums. You should brush your teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste or whatever is recommended by your dentist. It is important to replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or whenever you notice that the bristles are frayed. This is because an older, worn toothbrush won’t clean your teeth as well as a newer one.

Flossing is extremely important and should be done at least once a day. This is because layers of plaque and bacteria still remain on your teeth, especially in harder to reach areas, even after you brush. Flossing will remove the remaining plaque and food and reduce your risk of gum disease.

Plaque is bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums in the form of a sticky film. After you eat, your tooth enamel is attacked by the acid that plaque releases, which may lead to tooth decay. You should limit the amount you snack in between meals because these snacks will cause the plaque bacteria to release continuous acids onto your enamel, constantly wearing it down throughout the day.

The plaque and bacteria can also irritate your gums, not just your teeth. If your gums are not properly cleaned and treated, the bone around your teeth can be severely damaged and destroyed. This can possibly cause you to have your teeth removed. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

Eating a well balanced diet is a good way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Limit the amount of the snacks in between your meals to avoid unnecessary build up and plaque. If you must snack, choose items such as fresh, raw veggies, plain yogurt, fruit, or cheese.

Some toothaches are acute and can cause sudden pain while others can be more gradual, with the pain increasing over time. Some eventually subside on their own, depending on their cause,  but can still be very bothersome. A toothache could also be a sign of tooth decay or another dental condition and should be checked out immediately by a dentist. So what exactly causes a toothache and what should you do to prevent them?

The tooth enamel on the outside of your teeth can erode when certain acids in your mouth break it down. When the enamel breaks down, the tooth nerve endings can become exposed, thus causing a tooth ache. Sometimes, if the pain lessens or diminishes, it may be because the nerve ending has died. Even if this is the case, the decay will still be present and must be treated immediately by a dentist. If the pain worsens, it could be because of an infection.

There are a few ways to help prevent a toothache from occurring. One of the most important things you can do to prevent a toothache is brushing and flossing your teeth regularly. This can prevent tooth decay and kill the bad bacteria in your mouth. Toothpastes and rinses containing fluoride are also a good option. Make sure to discuss what option is best for you with your dentist.

Flossing your teeth every night is a must. A tooth brush can only reach certain exposed areas of your teeth, leaving food and plaque stuck in hard to reach places. The food and plaque will eventually cause tooth decay and cavities if left within your teeth. So make sure to floss at least once a day, preferably before bed, in order to remove the food and plaque that isn’t always visible.

There are certain reasons for tooth decay that can’t always be avoided, such as hereditary factors and lack of saliva. If you don’t produce enough saliva on your own, chewing sugar-free gum can help stimulate the production of saliva. Saliva helps neutralize the acids inside your mouth during the breakdown of foods.

To temporarily relieve a toothache, there are some over the counter gels and creams you can apply to your teeth that will help reduce the pain. Certain topical analgesics can also reduce the pain temporarily. Ibuprofen may also help. Make sure to ask your doctor or dentist what you should take before using any medication, drugs, gels, or creams.

If your gums bleed while your brushing or flossing your teeth, it can be due to several different reasons or conditions. Some are more serious than others, but bleeding gums should not be ignored. It could be a sign for a serious condition or it might just be because you are brushing too hard. No matter what the cause, you should discuss it with your dentist to prevent further damage from occurring.

Gingivitis is a big culprit for bleeding gums because your gums are inflamed and irritated. This can be treated by your dentist, so get it checked out immediately. Make sure to clean your teeth thoroughly so plaque build up does not occur, which can lead to more serious conditions such as periodontitis.

Brushing and flossing too hard can also cause bleeding gums. Use a softer bristled brush if this tends to happen to you. Harder bristles can irritate your gums and possibly cause them to swell. While flossing, make sure to gently glide the floss between your teeth and gum line. Do not shove the thread in with one motion. This can damage your gum tissue and cause more bleeding. Instead, use a zigzag motion to carefully and gently floss your teeth.

Other tips which can help prevent bleeding are: avoiding the use of tobacco, taking vitamins, and massaging your gums. Smoking dries the inside of your mouth and can make it vulnerable to sores or abrasions. Taking regular vitamins, especially vitamin K, can help prevent this condition and can maintain the strength of your gums. Massaging your gums gently while you brush can help strengthen them to prevent vulnerability.

If you wear dentures and suffer from bleeding gums, this could mean an improper fit. Your dentures can also cause sores in your mouth and on your gums. If this happens, talk with your dentist about getting new dentures or you might want to consider dental implants.

There are many other types of dental and gum infections that can cause bleeding. Make sure to go to your dentist at least twice a year to get a thorough examination of your teeth. This can help prevent other infections from occurring. No matter what causes your bleeding gums, talk with one of our dentists immediately. They will help you find out what the cause is and will treat your gums properly. Many other conditions can be prevented if you treat the initial problem first.

Many dentists agree that flossing is more important than brushing your teeth. Flossing allows you to reach the parts of your teeth that a regular toothbrush can’t access. It cleans out the bacteria and plaque that can hide and grow in your mouth. The two most important factors of flossing are when you floss and how you floss. The timing and technique of flossing really make a difference in your mouth.

The best time of day to floss is at night before bed. This way you can clean out everything from your teeth that has built up throughout the day. Your teeth will have less bacteria while you sleep and will stay that way until the morning when you brush again. You should floss after every meal but if you only have time to do it once, in the evening before bed is best.

The way you floss also affects the amount of bacteria and plaque on your teeth. If you don’t floss correctly you can injure your gums and cause them to bleed. You should take about 18 inches of floss and wrap it around your index fingers, leaving a 1-2 inch space. With the floss taut, gently guide it in between your teeth in a zigzag motion instead of forcing it in with one move. Move it back and forth across the tooth’s surface and under the gum line. You must do this gently or you can easily harm your gums.

Ideally, you should always floss before you brush your teeth or at least once a day. By only brushing, you are leaving behind 40% of your tooth’s surface allowing bacteria to grow and plaque to build. Plaque build-up leads to gum disease which can be prevented by adequately flossing your teeth every day.