You may consider brushing your teeth less important that other aspects of your overall health, but good oral hygiene affects more than just your pearly whites. Healthy teeth and gums make it easier for you to eat well and enjoy your meals. Tooth decay is an indication of a high level of bacteria in your mouth. When you consider that your mouth is the entry point to both your digestive and respiratory tracts, having excess bacteria can lead to disease. Let’s take a moment to “brush up” on dental care basics.
Brushing Your Teeth
Your oral health begins with clean teeth. This does not just mean the surface of the teeth but also the area where your gums meet your teeth. Brush your teeth at least twice per day with a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits your mouth comfortably.
When your brush, it is best not to rush. You should give your teeth a full 2 minutes of your attention with each brushing. Brush all surfaces of your teeth including the inner surfaces of the teeth and edges of your gums with gentle strokes.
Be sure to keep your toothbrush clean between brushings. Rinse your brush well and store it in an upright position.
Flossing Your Teeth
Your toothbrush cannot reach the tight spaces between your teeth…but bacteria can! So don’t skimp on the cleaning and make sure to floss at least once, preferable twice per day. Be sure to guide the floss between every pair of teeth, using the floss to rub the sides of both teeth in and up-and-down motion. If traditional dental floss is a challenge, there are other interdental cleaners such as dental picks, pre-threaded flossers, and tiny brushes that help clean between your teeth.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Dental check-ups are important for many reasons. First, your dentist will perform a more thorough cleaning with plaque removal to assist with your overall oral health. More important than that is the early detection of cavities, signs of gum disease, checking on older fillings to be sure they are secure, and catching other oral conditions such as dry mouth, bad breath, and oral cancer.
Keep your smile beautiful and healthy by visiting a caring dentist with your best interest at heart. See all our services at Smile Designer.