How Do You Keep Your Teeth Healthy?
It’s not enough to brush your teeth and floss your teeth to
keep your teeth healthy. You may have been told to clean your teeth twice and
use dental floss at least once a day since you got old to hold a toothbrush.
But what about tongue care, diet, and the use of fluoride?
Do you know which toothbrush and mouthwash are right for
you?
Brush up on your oral hygiene with these basic habits for
excellent dental health.
Care of your toothbrush
For healthy teeth, take care of your toothbrush. Wash it
thoroughly after brushing your teeth. Then, in a standing position, make sure
to store it in an open place. A large amount of air circulating around the
bristles will help keep the brush dry; microorganisms that can accumulate on
your toothbrush tend to grow in a humid environment. When it’s no longer
useful, get a new one. The American Dental Association recommends that you
replace your toothbrush every three to four months.
Tongue Brushing
Just like bacteria builds up on and in between your teeth,
hardening into plaque and tartar if not removed, bacteria also builds up on
your tongue. The surface of your tongue is covered in tiny bumps called
papillae, and within the grooves of these bumps collect bacteria, dead skin
cells, and food particles. The bacteria and other debris trapped on the tongue
can cause bad breath, or halitosis, and a white discoloration of the tongue.
Brush your tongue to help fight bacteria in your mouth.
Brushing your tongue is not only necessary to keep your teeth healthy, but it
also helps stop bad breath. Try getting a toothbrush with the cheek and tongue
cleaner, so you can easily remove bacteria from your mouth every time you
brush.
Avoid sugary foods
What you drink can affect the strength of your teeth. Drinks
such as carbonated beverages and sugary juices have been targeted as reasons
for cavities. When bacteria in the mouth break down simple sugars, they produce
acids that can erode tooth enamel, opening the door to decay. “Sugary drinks,
including soft drinks and fruit drinks, pose a special threat because people
tend to sip them, raising acid levels over a long period of time. Drinking less
soda, more water, milk, and fresh juice can help protect your teeth.
Talk to a dentist
Your dentist and dental hygienist are there to assist you
with oral care. Visit the dentist for regular checkups and ask any questions or
concerns you may have about the health of your teeth. They can help you build
an everyday brushing and flossing plan that suits your specific dental needs.
Also talk to your dentist about the type of fluoride
treatments that are right for you. Data indicates that loss of fluoride can
lead to tooth decay, even if someone takes care of their teeth in another way.
A current review uncovered that brushing and flossing don’t stop a person from
getting cavities if they don’t use fluoride.
Flossing
Regular use of dental floss removes plaque, helping to
prevent the buildup of plaque, which can lead to tartar. The floss can remove
plaque and bacteria between the teeth because the toothbrush cannot reach them.
It can also help stop bad breath by removing debris and food caught between
your teeth. Simply flossing your teeth
can make them look brighter by removing plaque and excess food particles that
you may not see in the mirror or in areas that your toothbrush doesn’t reach.
Do you know you can brush your teeth
with coconut oil?
Coconut oil boasts both antibacterial and whitening
properties while being free from the chemicals, foaming agents and artificial
flavors found in most commercial toothpastes. Coconut oil helps attack harmful
bacteria in your mouth and the fatty acid in the oil attract and trap bacteria
and plaque from your mouth.
They say that a smile is the most beautiful thing a person
has. Do you care about that precious smile? Good oral health not only adds
beauty to your smile but also keeps gum and mouth infections at bay.
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