Chewing gum is good for your dental health

Chewing gum is good for you and recommended by the National Dental Hygiene Association?

Yes, but before you run out to stock up on bubble gum, note that it must be sugar-free gum.

Indeed, chewing sugar free gum 20 minutes after eating or drinking helps neutralize acids and can help repair early tooth decay. In fact, the National Dental Hygiene Association recommends chewing sugar free gum as part of the “Daily 4” activities that include brushing teeth twice a day, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash.

It’s those other recommendations, particularly the flossing can be a challenge with kids and some adults as well. So if you’re not a regular flosser, how do you get into a routine to make it a daily habit? Perhaps knowing the benefits may entice you. Flossing not only removes plaque and food particles that might get stuck in crevices between teeth, it also keeps gums healthy. And healthy gums are crucial not just for your teeth but for your overall health.

So maybe the floss you use will make you more apt to floss regularly. Does wax work better? Does a flosser that holds the floss for you – rather than wrapping it around your fingers – work better? Floss threaders are particularly good for kids with braces. Try different approaches to flossing, different types of floss (e.g. spearmint flavored), and/or a good time of day to put you into the routine.

Now brushing your teeth may seem to be pretty routine, but did you know that there are some tricks to the trade that make brushing more effective? For starters, keep the number two in mind when brushing. Two minutes each time you brush, and brush two times each day. Research shows that the two minutes of brushing is the most important way to reduce plaque and prevent cavities, gingivitis and other plaque-related oral diseases.

Replacing your toothbrush every three to four months helps protect against microbes that could cause cold and flu viruses. In fact, toss your toothbrush right after recovering from a cold or illness and start a new one that hasn’t been exposed to bacteria and germs.

Our gums are as important as our teeth, which actually only make up half of our mouths. But here’s a surprisingly unfortunate stat: 80 percent of the U.S. population has some form of periodontal gum disease. So brushing our gums gently is very important to maintain good gum health and prevent gingivitis.

Using an anti-microbial mouth rinse every day is also recommended. This should be done after brushing and flossing. Choose a mouth rinse that carries the ADA Seal of Acceptance and/or speak to your dental hygienist about recommendations.

Speaking of recommendations, you should get your teeth cleaned professionally by a dental hygienist twice a year. If you have a history of periodontal disease, you may be advised to do it more often. The American Dental Association recommends that you should also have a routine examination at least once a year by your dentist. Babies should be taken for a first dental appointment around the first birthday, or six months after the first tooth erupts.

Source:  http://plymouth.wickedlocal.com/article/20151026/NEWS/151029368

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