Thursday, February 19, 2009

Habits To Ensure Healthy Mouth And Gums

By Ricardo Marks

Oral hygiene is very important for us throughout our lives, as the remedy for this is not only costs you an arm and a leg but quite painful as well. Even though most people know the importance of brushing their teeth twice a day, there are some other routines that need to be followed for having the best possible oral hygiene. A healthy oral routine does not just cover the teeth, but also includes the gums. Hence it is important to do more than just brush your teeth and floss. Moreover, you must also see your dentist on regular basis.

Firstly it is recommended is that you take a supplement for Vitamin C and other key nutrients. Vitamin C not only keeps the tissues healthy, but is also important for healthy gums. People who do not take enough Vitamin C will suffer from gingivitis. The best way of getting Vitamin C is through your diet, but make sure you do not do this by drinking a lots of sweet juices or citrus fruits, as these would harm your teeth.

Another supplement you should take is Coenzyme Q10, which is found naturally in the body and helps cell function. However, as some people have lower levels of this and some medications will affect the production of this enzyme, it is a good idea to take supplements for healthy gums. This supplement is now also available in toothpaste.

A herb named Horsetail, containing silica, helps to absorb minerals in the body. This helps the body by allowing all the supplements you take to get absorbed into the body. If it is taken with calcium it would help your teeth to stay strong. You must use a mouthwash together with Hydrogen Peroxide to decrease bacteria in your mouth. Use a 3% solution of mouthwash and mix it with equal parts of water before using.

You can also try Ayurvedic treatments, such as oil pulling to help maintain oral hygiene. This is done by taking one tablespoon of sesame oil or sunflower oil (cold pressed) and putting it in your mouth before having anything as you wake up in the morning. Swirl it around in your mouth for a quarter of an hour and spit it out when the oil turns watery. This helps in getting rid of the toxins from the tissues and cleans your mouth and gums. Moreover, it is also helpful in the making of your teeth whiter.

Make sure you see your dentist six monthly and ask his advice before taking any supplements. Brushing and flossing both are very important aspects of your oral hygiene routine, so make sure you use good floss and a high quality electric toothbrush which will help you in cleaning your teeth better than the ordinary ones. A dental pick could also be used, which is specifically designed to clean between your teeth. If you have problem cleaning your teeth, you can use an oral irrigator that directs a stream of water to your teeth to clean away the food particles.

You must visit your dentist in case you have swollen or red gums, bleeding from your gums, or if your gums start pulling away from your teeth. Any pus around your teeth, a bad taste in your mouth, or loose teeth are the symptoms that you should see your dentist right away.

Oral healthcare is as important as our physical health. So, make sure in order to protect your smile you follow the suggestions given above. - 15437

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