For one to achieve healthy teeth, you must be committed to a lifetime of care. There is nothing special about oral hygiene. As long as you’re taking care of the basics, you don’t need to be worried. Even if your teeth appear to be healthy, it is crucial that you take care of them because there could be underlying problems that you might only come to know when you visit the dentist. Here are some tips that will come in handy if you’re looking for the right way to take care of your teeth. And for top-of-the-line, complete, and professional dental services, visit Sloan Creek Dental.
Brushing Before Going to Bed
Most people may forget to brush their teeth before they go to bed. Germs are always active when there is inactivity. That is why it is important that you go to bed with a fresh mouth in order to prevent plaque buildup. It only takes two minutes to brush and you should make it a routine for the whole family. Kids need to be taught the correct way of taking care of their teeth. As a parent, you should lead by example. It will come naturally once you make it a routine in your household. Be sure to also book regular appointments with good dentists like this Simply Smiles Dentistry clinic to keep your teeth in top notch condition.
Brush Properly
You should be brushing twice a day but maybe you’re not doing it the right way. Doing it the wrong way is almost as bad as not doing it a lot. Ideally, you should be brushing for at least two minutes. Don’t focus on the gums too much as that could lead to bleeding. The toothbrush should be moved in a gentle and circular manner to ensure that all corners of the teeth are being cleaned. Don’t forget to gently brush the tongue as it is also another part of the mouth that gets neglected. Plaque is known to buildup on the tongue. You won’t be doing your teeth any favors when you forget to clean the tongue. Be sure to check out 5 habits that harm your teeth for great tips.
Use Fluoride Toothpaste
Every dentist recommends the use of fluoride toothpaste and it for good reason. No matter which brand you’re using, make sure it contains fluoride. It is the mainline defense against tooth decay and you’ll be missing out on a lot if you’re not using it. Fluoride will also provide a protective barrier for your teeth. Be sure to check out this weblink for more great options.
Flossing
Flossing should be treated with the same level of seriousness as brushing. There are some parts of the teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach and that is where flossing comes in handy. Flossing also helps in stimulating the gums which reduces the buildup of plaque between the teeth. Doing it once a day is more than enough to realize the benefits. Flossing can be challenging but you shouldn’t let the difficulties stop you from doing it. You need to teach your kids how to do it properly so that they’re not having problems in their adult years.
Use of Mouthwash
You should consider the use of mouthwash for oral hygiene. A lot of people will skip using mouthwash because they’re not aware of how they work or what they stand to benefit when they use them. Some think it is used for teeth whitening. Mouthwash can be used to reduce the acidity levels in the mouth. You can also use it to clean the hard to reach areas in the mouth and remineralize the teeth. Don’t forget to pick out a good mouthwash next time you’re out shopping for supplies.
Drink Plenty of Water
Sometimes the solution is as easy as drinking more water. Water should be your go-to beverage at any time. It will help clean out the food pieces in your mouth. It also doesn’t have the negative effects found in sugary substances. You should be sure to drink water after every meal to wash down any excess food in the mouth.
Limit Intake of Sugary Foods
Sugar is the number one source of acid in the mouth. There are foods that are known to have high sugar levels. Such foods will include cakes and candy. You should also stay away from sugary beverages. There is no harm in indulging once in a while but make sure that you brush your teeth every time you have such foods.
Regular Checkups
Experts recommend visiting the dentist at least twice a year. This will ensure that potential problems are discovered early before they get out of hand. The dentist will also do an oral cancer screening which is a treatable disease if it is discovered early. As always make sure that you’re working with an experienced dentist for all your dental needs.