![]() Brush carefully and gently along your gum line.Use small circular motions and short back-and-forth strokes.Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. Gently brush your teeth on all sides with a soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste.There is a right way to brush and floss your teeth. Smoking increases your risk for gum disease. Tell the dentist about any medical conditions you have and medications you take. Visit your dentist routinely for a checkup and cleaning.Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.If not treated, this infection can lead to sore, bleeding gums, painful chewing problems, and even tooth loss. This problem, called gingivitis, can often be fixed by brushing and flossing every day.Ī more severe form of gum disease, called periodontitis, must be treated by a dentist. A mild form of gum disease may make your gums red, tender, and more likely to bleed. Plaque causes an infection that hurts the gum and bone that hold your teeth in place. Gum disease begins when plaque builds up along and under your gum line. Your dentist or dental hygienist may give you a fluoride treatment during an office visit or may tell you to use a fluoride gel or mouth rinse at home. If you are at a higher risk for tooth decay (for example, if you have a dry mouth because of a condition you have or medicines you take), you might need more fluoride. Use fluoride toothpaste to protect your teeth from decay. Brushing and flossing your teeth can prevent decay, but once a cavity forms, to avoid further damage, a dentist must fix it with a filling. The bacteria in plaque produce acids that can harm enamel and cause cavities. Every day, a thin film of bacteria called dental plaque builds up on your teeth. Teeth are covered in a hard, outer coating called enamel. Several problems can affect the health of your mouth, but good care should keep your teeth and gums strong as you age. Speak to your dentist or doctor about topical fluoride, a coating that is painted on the teeth to prevent tooth decay.Healthy teeth and gums make it easy for you to eat well and enjoy good food. Regular dental visits (PDF) help to prevent oral diseases and catch problems early, when they are easier to treat. Heavy alcohol use increases the risk for mouth and throat cancer, especially when used in combination with tobacco. Tobacco significantly increases your risk for gum disease and mouth and throat cancer. The fluoride in New York City’s tap water helps prevent tooth decay. Limit the number of snacks throughout the day and avoid sugary and starchy snacks. Floss daily: The spaces between your teeth or under your gums can not be reached with a toothbrush.Use toothpaste that contains fluoride and a soft bristled toothbrush. You can prevent gum disease and tooth decay by following these tips: Preventing oral health problems can reduce health care expenses.įind low-cost dental treatment near you on the NYC Health Map. In NYC, one in four adults ages 65 and older have no teeth.īy taking simple measures, most oral health problems can be prevented. have experienced tooth decay and nearly half of adults have gum disease. In NYC, more than one in three third-grade students have untreated tooth decay. Nationally, more than half of children ages 6 to 19 have experienced too decay. Oral health - the health of your mouth - is an important part of good overall health and well-being.
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