It’s not enough to brush your teeth and floss your teeth to keep your teeth healthy. You may have been told to clean your teeth twice and use dental floss at least once a day since you got old to hold a toothbrush. But what about tongue care, diet, and the use of fluoride?
Do you know which toothbrush and mouthwash are right for you?
Brush up on your oral hygiene with these basic habits for excellent dental health.
For healthy teeth, take care of your toothbrush. Wash it thoroughly after brushing your teeth. Then, in a standing position, make sure to store it in an open place. A large amount of air circulating around the bristles will help keep the brush dry; microorganisms that can accumulate on your toothbrush tend to grow in a humid environment. When it’s no longer useful, get a new one. The American Dental Association recommends that you replace your toothbrush every three to four months. However, with children, you may need to change earlier. Watch out for worn and frayed bristles.
Brushing too hard with your teeth or using a very hard-bristled toothbrush can damage the enamel and gums. Effects may include tooth sensitivity, permanent damage to the protective coating of the teeth, and gingivitis.
Brush your tongue to help fight bacteria in your mouth. Brushing your tongue is not only necessary to keep your teeth healthy, but it also helps stop bad breath. Try getting a toothbrush with the cheek and tongue cleaner, so you can easily remove bacteria from your mouth every time you brush.
Your dentist and dental hygienist are there to assist you with oral care. Visit the dentist for regular checkups and ask any questions or concerns you may have about the health of your teeth. They can help you build an everyday brushing and flossing plan that suits your specific dental needs.
What you drink can affect the strength of your teeth. Drinks such as carbonated beverages and sugary juices have been targeted as reasons for cavities. Drinking less soda, more water, milk, and fresh juice can help protect your teeth.
Fluoride is not just for children. This natural mineral hardens tooth enamel, which helps prevent tooth decay. You can acquire fluoride from your toothpaste, some mouthwashes, and home or indoor treatments that your dentist might suggest. Talk to your dentist about the type of fluoride treatments that are right for you. Data indicates that loss of fluoride can lead to tooth decay, even if someone takes care of their teeth in another way. A current review uncovered that brushing and flossing don’t stop a person from getting cavities if they don’t use fluoride.
The floss can remove plaque and bacteria between the teeth because the toothbrush cannot reach them. It can also help stop bad breath by removing debris and food caught between your teeth.
Most dental hygienists recommend gently pushing the floss to the gum before hitting the side of the tooth with upward and downward movements. It is essential to avoid snapping the floss upward and downward between the teeth, which can cause pain and not effectively remove plaque.
Smoking damages the body’s immune system, making it difficult for the body to heal tissues, including those in the mouth. Smoking also affects the appearance of the mouth, which causes yellowing of the teeth and tongue and can give an unpleasant smell to breathe.
They say that a smile is the most beautiful thing a person has. Do you care about that precious smile? Good oral health not only adds beauty to your smile but also keeps gum and mouth infections at bay.