Wear a brilliant smile every day by following these tips on dental care:
1. **Brushing:**
Brush your teeth at least twice a day, but be mindful when you do it. Aim your toothbrush bristles at a 45-degree angle to brush the gum line properly. The toothbrush should be touching both gums and teeth. If your gums feel tender or bleed, it’s a sign that they’re weak and need more gentle, consistent brushing.
Don’t just brush the outside of your teeth. Give some love to the inside surfaces and gum as well. To do this effectively, brush in every direction, moving up, down, and side to side.
Many experts suggest two minutes of brushing, twice a day, but not everyone sticks to the full duration. To keep you on track, set a timer or play an upbeat song.
Don’t forget your tongue! It can harbor bacteria which might lead to bad breath. Therefore, spare a few seconds to brush it.
Make every second of those two minutes count. Brushing absent-mindedly can cause you to miss spots leading to plaque and tartar buildup.
2. **Flossing:**
Your dentist asking you to floss is not just nagging. When you brush, small food particles can get left behind between teeth; flossing helps to remove these. Regular flossing thus helps prevent cavities that can be painful and expensive to fix.
Although flossing can seem like a chore, its benefits far outweigh the irritation. Plus, think of how impressed your dentist will be at your improved oral hygiene!
3. **Get the Right Gear:**
Every three months, aim to replace your toothbrush as worn out bristles aren’t as efficient in removing plaque. Consider an electric toothbrush for a thorough clean, but remember it doesn’t do all the work. You still need to reach all areas of your mouth. Also, don’t forget to replace electric brush heads every three months.
Keep your toothbrush clean between uses by rinsing it in warm water or soaking it in mouthwash if you’re extra careful about germs.
4. **Mouthwash:**
While not a replacement for brushing and flossing, mouthwash can improve oral hygiene by reducing bacteria, plaque, and tooth decay. However, ensure you’re using it as directed and not swallowing it.
5. **Regular Dental Check-ups:**
Daily oral care is crucial, but visiting a dentist twice a year also matters. A dental hygienist can deep clean your teeth, scraping off any plaque or tartar. Moreover, annual x-rays can catch potential dental problems early.
6. **Diet and Lifestyle:**
Avoid smoking as it’s harmful to your teeth, causing staining, gum disease, and possibly tooth loss. Limit consumption of sugary drinks, coffee, and wine as they can cause tooth decay and staining.
A diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B complex, copper, zinc, iodine, iron, and potassium will boost your oral health. Milk, fortified orange juice, yogurt, broccoli, leafy greens, chicken, fish, and dairy products are all great.
With consistent practice, you can maintain a great smile and strong teeth! It’s never too late to start good oral hygiene habits, so remember to brush regularly, eat healthily, quit smoking if you do, and see your dentist yearly.
Dental health isn’t just about the present; it’s a lifelong commitment to maintaining a smile that lights up your face!
