Taking Care of Your Teeth – All the Things You Need to Know
Achieving healthy teeth takes a lifetime of good oral care. Most people know to brush at least twice a day, but there are some things you can do to make brushing more effective for you. Here’s a list of useful insights that can help you take your oral health to the next level.
Table of Contents
Proper brushing is key
Brushing twice a day is the bare minimum when it comes to keeping your teeth clean and healthy. However, how you brush is just as important as how often. Most people tend to use sawing back-and-forth motions, but there are more efficient ways to clean your teeth. Stick to gentle, circular motions to ensure you remove plaque from every surface.
Flossing counts too
Dentists often tell you to brush and floss. Brushing only removes food particles on the surface of teeth, not those between teeth. That’s where flossing comes in. Flossing helps reach those hard-to-reach areas, ensuring you also remove any plaque trapped between your teeth. Flossing is also great for stimulating the gums and maintaining good overall oral health. Smilesdenturecarecentre.com recommends flossing your regular teeth even you wear dentures!
Cleaning your tongue matters
After brushing and flossing, it’s also a good idea to brush your tongue. The tongue also plays a role in chewing food, and there are plenty of germs leftover after cleaning the rest of the mouth. Always finish your regular routine by brushing your tongue. This helps remove any germs left on the tongue and prevents other oral issues like bad breath.
Mouthwash always helps
Mouthwash isn’t a part of most people’s regular cleaning routine, but it works wonders. It’s great for eliminating more germs in your mouth, particularly in the hard-to-reach areas where it’s harder to clean as easily. Fluoride mouthwashes also help remineralize your teeth, helping them stay strong and healthy. On its own mouthwash is no substitute for brushing and flossing, but it’s an excellent complement to those methods.
The right toothbrush makes a difference
The right toothbrush is a major factor in taking care of your teeth. Hard bristles often put a strain on teeth and gums, which can lead to damage over time. Stick to soft-bristled toothbrushes for a gentler clean, especially if your teeth are sensitive. While you’re at it, remember to switch your toothbrush after 3 months to make sure you’re always brushing gently.
Smoking is bad in more ways than you think
Most people think of smoking as bad for the lungs and heart, but it’s bad for your teeth as well. Regular smoking often yellows the teeth and lingers on the breath, which can be noticeable traits when talking to people. Smokers are also at risk of developing oral health issues like gum disease. Stay away from smoking to help look after your oral and general health.
Dental appointments are a game-changer
Seeing your dentist at least twice a year is one of the most effective ways to look after your oral health. Even the most dutiful brushes and flossers need to see a dentist regularly to ensure good health. Dental appointments are a great time to get much-needed services done (e.g. dental cleaning) to keep your teeth in optimal health. For general dentistry appointments or cosmetic dentistry, contact Dr. Urszula Barrios, Dr. Mark Rhody Dentistry, or your family dentist to make an appointment right now to keep your teeth in the clear.
Taking good care of your teeth is everyone’s concern. Most of us do the requisite brushing twice a day, but it always helps to do a little more. Keep these ideas in mind to help you keep your teeth in tip-top condition all year round.
