Best Practices for Adults & Children’s Healthy Teeth and Gums

Tips for Healthy Teeth & Gums

1. Brush regularly by using small circular motions. Avoid brushing aggressively or using a hard bristled brush as this can damage tooth enamel and gums.

2. Visit a dentist every 6 months for a checkup to prevent cavities and cleaning the teeth.

3. Floss regularly (once a day) as it helps to remove plague and bacteria from between the teeth, where a toothbrush is unable to reach. This also helps prevent bad breath which arises due to accumulation of food debris between the teeth.

4. Use toothpaste and mouthwash with fluoride content as it helps prevent cavities.

5. Mouthwash is necessary to maintaining a good oral health as it reduces the amount of acid in the mouth, cleans hard-to-brush areas in and around the gums, and re-mineralizes the teeth.

It also helps to eliminate any bad mouth odour.

6. Avoid Smoking and using of other tobacco products as it results in discoloration of teeth, accumulation of tartar and plaque, bad breath, gum diseases, and even increases the risk of developing of oral cancer.

7. Drink water instead of sugary beverages as it can lead to high risk of developing cavities.

8. Limit Sugary Food Intake and starch as that can also lead to cavities.

Tips for Kids

The habit of maintaining good oral hygiene should start at an early age. “Baby Teeth” are very crucial and need equal care and attention, similar to permanent teeth. It is best to introduce good dental care for children during infancy. The following practices will help keep a child’s teeth and gums healthy:

● Make sure to gently wipe your baby’s gums with a wet and warm washcloth to remove any sugar residues

● Do not let your kids drink excessive juice or beverages that contain added sugars

● Limit drinking of milk or juice exclusively for meal time and let them drink water for the rest

● After your baby has teeth, use a soft bristle brush, as recommended by your doctor, and brush them twice a day, regularly

● Children belonging to the age group of 3-6, should not use more than a tiny amount of toothpaste

● Take your children to a dentist for monitoring their teeth care and overall oral hygiene. The recommended time is at 1 year of age or within 6 months of the appearance of their first tooth