Healthy teeth are important to your overall well-being. Any problem with your teeth, or mouth in general, can affect the rest of your body. For this reason, it’s important you make a conscious effort to take care of your teeth.
Your teeth help you to masticate food which is usually the first step of digestion. They also play a big part in speech and creating a good-looking appearance. Chances are you’ll smile more often if your teeth are in good condition.
The consequences of poor dental health are serious and usually include health conditions that are painful and even disabling. Below, you’ll find top tips to keep your teeth and mouth healthy. Remember, healthy teeth are crucial for your overall well-being.
1. Brush your teeth twice daily
Everyone knows that the general brushing recommendation is at least twice daily. This has been drilled into us by parents and teachers alike.
You should brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes in the morning and evening. This helps to get rid of germs and keep your teeth healthy. Plagues and other dental problems are also kept at bay by brushing at least twice daily for two minutes.
Proper brushing technique involves cleaning all surfaces of the teeth both on the front and back as well as along your gum line. Children should be taught the practice of proper brushing early. And parents or guardians can make brushing fun by playing a song or setting the timer for the recommended two minutes of brushing time.
2. Floss daily
Flossing is an important oral care routine and should be done at least once a day. The best time to floss is at night before bedtime and this helps to remove food and other particles stuck between the teeth. If these particles are not removed, they can cause the teeth to decay.
Many people fail to floss at least once a day. However, it’s an important dental hygiene routine you should make a part of your lifestyle. It’s not enough to simply floss. You have to do it right to avoid damaging your teeth and gums. Use about 18 – 24 inches of dental floss and wind most of it along your middle fingers. You only need about 1 – 2 inches to clean your teeth.
Slide the floss up and down along the whole tooth and avoid gliding it into your gums. This is why you need a short length of dental floss. Your gums may become sensitive when you start flossing but will return to normal when you’ve been flossing for a few days.
3. Replace old toothbrush
Your toothbrush should be replaced as it starts to show signs of wear. The general recommendation for changing toothbrushes is about every 3 to 6 months. And this ensures that your toothbrush is in good condition to properly clean your teeth.
Old toothbrushes tend to become damaged, frayed, and unable to properly clean the teeth. Changing your toothbrush regularly also prevents buildup of microbes although you should rinse your toothbrush well after every use.
4. Visit your dentist every 6 months
Dentists are your friend when it comes to having healthy teeth and mouth. And periodic visits to one means you can detect any oral issues early on. This is beneficial to your health and money-wise. Your dentist will schedule a professional cleaning to remove buildup of plaque and tartar twice a year.
“Regular dental cleaning is essential for your health. People often ask why we need a specialized doctor for our teeth cleaning. Our mouths are very important: our teeth prepare the food we need to eat so that our body can properly digest it. Regular cleanings at the dentist’s office keep our teeth healthy and help our body by preventing other illnesses,” says Dr. Winter, an experienced dentist in Arvada.
5. Maintain a healthy diet
Healthy diets help keep your teeth in good condition. Foods like almonds and leafy greens are especially beneficial to your teeth. Avoid, or at the very least, limit sweetened or sugary foods such as candy, pop, and so on. Incorporate food rich in calcium into your diet as calcium supports strong and healthy teeth. Have a chat with your dentist about food to eat and avoid.
6. Use dental hygiene products
When it comes to preventive dental care, there is no replacement for brushing and flossing. However, you can always supplement these key dental care practices with other dental hygiene products like tongue cleaners, mouthwash, oral irrigators, as well as interdental cleaners. Your dentist can recommend the type and even brand of dental hygiene products to use.
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