A Clean Smile is a Healthy Smile with Organic Toothpaste

Anyone who's ever watched television has seen literally dozens of ads for products that can help you get rid of this sticky film that adheres to your teeth and leads to cavities and disease. Organic toothpaste can be very useful for eliminating plaque on the surface of teeth. Made up of food residue, saliva and bacteria, plaque that is not cleaned off the teeth through brushing and flossing will harden into tartar, and from there develop into gum disease (gingivitis). It's more than a cosmetic concern, since severe gum disease can lead to periodontitis, tooth loss, systemic infections, heart disease and damage to the body's internal organs.

More than half of all adults are at least in the early stages of gum disease, and about 90 percent of us will have it at some point in our lives. Gingivitis can start at any age, and people with some medical conditions (such as diabetes) are more prone to gum problems.

Fortunately, most gum disease is reversible with good dental hygiene, which means following the basic steps of daily brushing and flossing, combined with regular visits to the dentist for cleanings and checkups. Some dentists suggest organic toothpaste.

When gum disease is allowed to go unchecked, it frequently worsens into periodontitis, in which the gums pull away from the teeth, forming pus-filled pockets of infection. Untreated, this infection eventually erodes the bones that hold the teeth in their sockets, causing teeth to be lost. A series of deep cleanings, and potentially surgery, are required to repair the effects of advanced periodontitis.

To avoid gum disease, and other dental problems, such as cavities, return to the basics by brushing the teeth gently twice a day with a soft nylon brush. Brush at a 45-degree angle along the gum line, using circular back-and-forth motions. Brush the front, back and top of each tooth. Use an organic toothpaste that fits your specific tastes and needs, or try another proven dental cleaning formula such as OraMD®.

Before you finish, be sure to brush your tongue, as it's the primary hiding place for bacteria and is the source of most bad breath. (In fact, if you have chronic bad breath, that's a "red flag" that can indicate the presence of gingivitis.) Follow up by flossing, using a 16- to 18-inch piece of floss, wrapped around each of your middle fingers. Gently curve the floss around each tooth and scrape from below the gum line to the top of the tooth, rinsing your mouth afterward.

Another key tip concerns your toothbrush. To avoid infection, it's important that your toothbrush be changed regularly (every couple of months or whenever the bristles are getting worn and bent). Plus, never share your toothbrush with another person, and make sure it does not come into direct contact with another's person's toothbrush in a storage cup or the bathroom.

Finally, if you're truly committed to a healthy mouth and gums, be sure to visit your dentist at least twice a year for tooth cleanings and checkups. The use of an organic toothpaste may be suggested. Ask your dentist for help choosing a high quality tooth paste.