Content writer-Schack Larsen
Good oral hygiene is important for good general health. We learn more and more every day about the negative affects poor dental care can have on every aspect of overall health and well being. For this reason, it is very important that you not only visit your dentist regularly, but also learn to take excellent care of your own teeth. In this article, we will discuss some good oral hygiene practices.
Take a little time and do some research on local dentists, especially if you have dental anxiety. Check out online reviews and find a dentist with the approach and demeanor who works well with you. That will go a long way toward helping you feel comfortable during your appointment.
Only use mouthwash free of alcohol. Alcohol as an ingredient can dry out the tissues in your mouth. This creates a breeding ground for the very bacteria you are hoping to avoid. Alcohol-free mouthwash is also less of a temptation for kids and teenagers looking to experiment with when bored.
Brush your teeth daily. Food and bad bacteria can settle on and in between teeth causing odor and dental issues, so brushing them helps to keep them clean. Brush them at least twice per day using a toothpaste that contains fluoride. The best times to brush your teeth are after every meal you eat and prior to bed.
Eating when you're not hungry not only adds weight, but can also increase your risk of cavities. If you snack throughout the day, you expose your teeth to more cavity-causing bacteria, sugars and acid. Thus, you should eat only when you're hungry in order to protect your dental health.
If you notice an increase in cavities, consider taking a multivitamin. Multivitamins contain many vitamins and minerals necessary for enamel production. Enamel is the outer layer that hardens your teeth and protects them. Your diet should include a variety of sources of calcium, which is the building block of healthy teeth.
It is important to replace your toothbrush every three months. Over time, the bristles on your toothbrush become worn and stop performing as well as they should. In addition, bacteria can build up on your toothbrush and become embedded in the bristles. Replacing your toothbrush frequently is a core component of a good dental care regimen.
In order to keep your teeth healthy, try to avoid eating foods high in carbohydrates. These foods, such as candies, chips, pretzels, and pastas, tend to stick onto your teeth and are hard to come off, even when you brush them thoroughly. This is what causes cavities and other dental issues.
If your child will be receiving laughing gas at a dental appointment, make sure he or she does not eat for at least two hours before the appointment. Sometimes laughing gas can cause a bit of stomach upset. If the child has eaten recently, this can cause increased discomfort and even vomiting.
Sometimes eating certain foods is helpful after you've had a meal. In fact, eating an apple after a meal can help loosen debris from the teeth and gums and get your mouth feeling fresh again. It also can remove built up gunk from the surfaces of your teeth, plus it's low in sugar.
Teeth whitening products can work, but sometimes they cause more trouble than they're worth. They can weaken enamel and leave your teeth in a condition where they can easily break or develop cavities. It's best to talk to your dentist about teeth whitening choices which they recommend for your needs.
Believe it or not, certain foods can actually help keep teeth clean. Crisp, firm foods wipe away germs and bacteria that may be stuck on your teeth. Of course, this cannot be use as a replacement for brushing your teeth, but you can eat these foods last during a meal to help.
If you are unable to brush your teeth after enjoying a meal, rinse your mouth out with water. This simple thing can help removed sugars and starches from your teeth. These simple carbohydrates can contribute tooth decay. There are also disposable toothbrushes that you can use while on the go.
To help ensure that you are properly cleaning your teeth change your toothbrush every three months. Many of today's toothbrushes come with colored bristles that fade over time. This convenient feature is used to help you know when it is time to change your toothbrush. If you notice your bristles are not changing colors within three months, it is still important to go ahead and change your toothbrush.
Give yourself a cleaner mouth by adding baking soda to your toothpaste a couple times each week. Baking soda will get rid of bacteria and make your teeth white. It's simple to use, you just put a small amount on your teeth.
Try out an electric toothbrush. You can boost your brushing efforts with these brushes, and they can remove the stubborn plaque. They also cut down on the work you need to do, giving you healthier teeth.
If you are teaching your child to brush his teeth, give him a sand timer that is timed for two minutes. The child can brush until the sand runs out. This will make it more enjoyable for your child to brush, while giving you an easy way to keep track of his brushing time.
If you hate flossing, consider using an interdental cleaner instead of floss string. These cleaners look like plastic picks or sticks, and they are much easier to handle than string. Plus, you can use the non-floss side as a basic dental pick for reaching hard to reach corners. They may cost a little more than floss, but they're worth it!
Learn how to properly use a water-pik and other at-home dental tools. These are very easy to use, and can help you avoid cavities and plaque. You just need to read the directions, which most people avoid doing! Learn how to properly use
more resources and you can cut down your chance of dental problems.
Protecting your smile is important beyond the aesthetics; oral health plays a significant role in your overall well being too! Teeth and gums with problems can mean underlying conditions you need to be aware of. Take good care of your mouth and watch for signs of trouble. Your beautiful smile depends on it!