Maintaining Healthy Teeth Oral Health AARP The Magazine
Maintaining Healthy Teeth, Oral Health - AARP The Magazine
may lower the risk of , says Samuel Low, D.D.S., former president of the American Academy of Periodontology. 2. Power up
Use a high-quality electric toothbrush with a small head, says New York City periodontist Greg Diamond, D.D.S.: "They're optimized to remove plaque." 3. Go beyond floss
If your gums recede (as even healthy gums can), interproximal brushes, which look like tiny pipe cleaners, may work better than floss, which can miss plaque on a root.
4. Wait to brush
It takes 30 minutes to an hour for saliva to neutralize the acids in foods. "Brushing right after eating can brush the enamel away," Diamond warns. 5. Watch your gums
Insist that your dentist examine your gums with a probe. If the gum pocket surrounding a tooth is deeper than 3 mm, you might have gum disease. 6. Get off the bottle
Many bottled waters lack fluoride. Consider adding a filter to your tap instead. 7. Wet your whistle
Teeth depend on saliva to remove microbes. If your mouth is dry, a prescription rinse can help. Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures
7 Steps to Healthy Teeth
From tap water to exercise we found the secrets to keeping your smile strong
Peter Dazeley/Getty Images A high-quality electric toothbrush can help maintain oral health. Want to keep your ? Follow these surprising tips: See also: 1. Break a sweatmay lower the risk of , says Samuel Low, D.D.S., former president of the American Academy of Periodontology. 2. Power up
Use a high-quality electric toothbrush with a small head, says New York City periodontist Greg Diamond, D.D.S.: "They're optimized to remove plaque." 3. Go beyond floss
If your gums recede (as even healthy gums can), interproximal brushes, which look like tiny pipe cleaners, may work better than floss, which can miss plaque on a root.
Related
4. Wait to brush
It takes 30 minutes to an hour for saliva to neutralize the acids in foods. "Brushing right after eating can brush the enamel away," Diamond warns. 5. Watch your gums
Insist that your dentist examine your gums with a probe. If the gum pocket surrounding a tooth is deeper than 3 mm, you might have gum disease. 6. Get off the bottle
Many bottled waters lack fluoride. Consider adding a filter to your tap instead. 7. Wet your whistle
Teeth depend on saliva to remove microbes. If your mouth is dry, a prescription rinse can help. Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures