The Proper Way to Maintain Healthy Teeth and Gums

Our teeth and gums play an important role in our lives. Besides giving us a clean, bright, and attractive smile that enhances our appearance, our teeth and gums also help us to chew and digest food, speak with clarity, as well as maintain our face shape. But in order for them to serve these functions well, they need to be well taken care of and maintained at an optimal state. Learn more about maintaining healthy teeth and gums in this article. 

1. Use the Proper Brushing Technique

Teeth brushing is a crucial step in your oral care routine that helps with keeping your teeth and gums clean. Not only is it important for you to brush your teeth twice daily, you’ll also need to adopt effective brushing methods to really clean your teeth and gums. 

To start, choose a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits your mouth well. Place it at a 45-degree angle against your gum-line and gently brush in a circular motion to clean the surfaces of your teeth. Don’t forget to also brush the chewing surfaces and the inner sides of your teeth. This method helps to effectively remove plaque and keep your teeth clean and healthy. Refrain from brushing too aggressively as that can damage your enamel and cause injuries to your gums. 

2. Clean Your Tongue

The surface of our tongue is covered with tiny papillae that can trap bacteria, food particles, dead cells, and other debris. Not cleaning your tongue allows these substances to accumulate, leading to bad breath and potential oral health issues.

Regularly cleaning your tongue removes the bacteria and debris, reducing the bacterial load in your mouth. This minimises your risk of developing dental health problems, enhances your sense of taste, and improves overall oral hygiene. 

To clean your tongue, gently scrape or brush your tongue using a tongue scraper or the bristles of your toothbrush. Move from the back of your tongue towards the front, rinsing your cleaning tool after each pass. Make sure to clean the entire surface of the tongue, including the sides. 

3. Clean Between Your Teeth

Although normal brushing helps to remove most plaque and dirt from your teeth’s surface, it cannot effectively reach the areas between them. Overtime, the food particles, bacteria, and plaque stuck in there can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss. 

One of the most effective ways to clean between your teeth is through regular flossing. Grab an appropriate length of dental floss, around 20 to 30cm, and wrap it around a finger each on your left and right hand, leaving a few centimeters of floss in between. Using a back-and-forth motion, slide the floss between your teeth until it reaches short of the gum line. Then, curve the floss towards each tooth and gently floss up and down in a back-and-forth motion. This will help to remove plaque and debris in between your teeth.

4. Optimise Your Brushing Time

Always ensure that you’re brushing your teeth for at least two minutes, and only when it is safe to do so. Do not brush your teeth right after meals as the acid your mouth produces for digestion softens your enamel. Brushing right after may cause damages to the enamel and your teeth. Always wait at least 30 minutes after a meal before you brush your teeth.

5. Avoid Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding can happen during sleep and even when you’re awake. It exerts excessive pressure on your teeth and jaw, and can gradually wear down the protective enamel layer, making your teeth more susceptible to sensitivity, cavities, and cracks. To keep your teeth and gums healthy, it is important to address your teeth grinding issues. For example, by engaging in relaxation exercises or wearing a mouthguard. 

6. Maintain a Healthy Diet

The foods we consume directly impacts our oral health, which is why it’s important to make wise dietary choices rich in essential nutrients that can contribute to stronger teeth, healthier gums, and a radiant smile. These nutrients include:

• Calcium: Strengthens teeth and bones

• Vitamin D: Helps the body absorb calcium

• Vitamin C: Promotes gum health and collagen production

• Vitamin C: Promotes gum health and collagen production

Additionally, limiting the intake of sugary and acidic foods can prevent tooth decay while proper hydration helps to maintain saliva flow and neutralise acids. 

7. Visit Your Dentist Regularly

While practising good oral hygiene at home is crucial, professional dental care is equally important in achieving optimal oral health. Regular check-ups at the dental clinic allow your dentist to assess your teeth and gum conditions to detect any early signs of dental problems. Receiving professional dental cleanings will also help to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar buildup that is difficult to clean away with brushing and flossing. 

8. Address Oral Health Issues Timely

Ignoring oral health problems can lead to further complications and affect your ability to maintain clean and healthy teeth and gums. If you experience any dental health issues, it is important to address them immediately. For example, getting a dental implant to replace a decayed tooth or missing teeth. 

Learn More: What are Dental Implants and Who are they for?

If you’re looking for a reliable dental clinic for all your oral health needs, look no further! Tooth Stories is an experienced dental clinic in Singapore with a team of skilled and knowledgeable dentists providing comprehensive dental services to address your oral health needs. Schedule your appointment with us today.