Ten keys to a healthy mouth and teeth

Although 84 percent of Spaniards claim to know that they should visit the dentist at least once a year, less than half (48%) have complied with this recommendation in the last twelve months. For this reason, the expert from Cinfa’s Scientific Department, Eduardo González Zorzano, has offered 10 keys to having a healthy mouth and teeth:

1. Do not abuse sugar and refined carbohydrates: you will reduce your chances of getting cavities or gum problems if you reduce carbohydrate intake in your diet and avoid sweets and sugary drinks. If you ingest them, remember to brush your teeth afterwards.
2. Limit snacking between meals, especially if you do not have the option of brushing your teeth afterwards, as plaque begins to form as soon as twenty minutes after eating. Also avoid foods before bedtime if you have already brushed your teeth.
3. Brush your teeth carefully. It should be done after every meal, but, if there is no other option, you should at least brush your teeth in the morning and before going to bed. The operation should last two to three minutes and should be performed with gentle pressure and small circular movements back and forth.
4. Renew your brush every three months or when the bristles begin to look worn. It is preferable that these are soft to avoid damaging the tooth enamel and that the brush head is rounded. Electric toothbrushes can sometimes be more effective than manual toothbrushes.
5. Use low abrasive toothpastes with fluoride. Although drinking water is usually fluoridated, it is advisable to opt for toothpaste containing fluoride in its formula, as this substance has been shown to prevent tooth decay. Innovative formulas with thermal water help to rebalance the oral ecosystem and provide the mineral salts and trace elements necessary for good mineralization of the teeth.
6. Learn how to use dental floss, toothbrushes and interdental sprays. Dental floss is inserted between the teeth with gentle back-and-forth movements and without touching the gums, to remove food debris hidden in the interdental spaces. If you use it only once a day, it is best to use it before going to bed. Another possibility is to use an interdental brush, which reaches where normal brushes do not, or interdental sprays that, in addition to deep cleaning, reduce gum irritation.
7. Don’t forget to take care of your gums. Especially if you have very sensitive teeth, use a special toothpaste and soft bristle brushes. Brush gently with horizontal movements, but not immediately after eating, as there is an increased secretion of acids.
8. Don’t smoke. Tobacco decreases saliva secretion, favoring the appearance of bacteria and unbalancing the oral ecosystem. This increases the risk of tooth decay or gum disease such as periodontitis, in addition to producing halitosis.
9. See your dentist regularly. Because even thorough brushing cannot completely remove dental plaque, oral cleanings are recommended every six to twelve months. You should also have your teeth checked at least once a year.
10. Instill good dental hygiene in your children. They should be aware of the importance of not eating sweets between meals and of brushing their teeth after each meal. Explain to them how they should do it and monitor how they brush until they develop a proper routine, which is usually by age 7 or 8.