Dental Care Basics
The basics of dental care greatly affect your smile, and how you interact with other people. A clean set of teeth is the first step in good dental health. The American Dental Association has some guidelines to help you clean your teeth in the best possible way.
Tips for Proper Brushing
- Do not rush when brushing your teeth. You should brush your teeth twice daily, and take time to clean your teeth effectively.
- Use the right tools. All you need is a toothbrush with soft bristles and toothpaste with fluoride. A battery-operated toothbrush or electric toothbrush can help if you have issues with proper brushing.
- Use the right technique. Your toothbrush should be slightly angled and do a back-and-forth motion. Brush your teeth thoroughly, including the tongue. Do not brush too vigorously as it may damage your gums.
- Keep your toothbrush clean. Rinse your toothbrush properly after brushing. Rinse it with water and dry it before your next use. Place it in an upright position, and cover it to prevent bacteria from getting onto your brush.
- Replace your brush when necessary. Buy a new toothbrush whenever your current one is worn.
Flossing Your Teeth
- Flossing is important for reaching in between teeth, where most toothbrushes cannot reach.
- Use at least 18 inches of floss and wrap it around the index finger of both hands. Floss every space in between teeth, but do it thoroughly in every space. Rub the tooth and gums to completely eliminate plaque that was left while brushing.
- Waxed floss may be easier and more effective to use. You can also find toothpicks designed with floss that can be effective.
Other than the usual brushing and flossing, it is also essential to use mouthwash in reducing plaque left on teeth. Mouth wash rinses not only the teeth, but the whole mouth, including the tongue, gums and cheeks. Scheduling dental cleanings and examinations every 6 months is also part of dental care basics. Schedule an appointment if you see signs and symptoms of dental problems.
How Often Should You Brush and Floss Your Teeth?
The most essential part of dental hygiene happens at home. Brushing and flossing daily is probably the most important thing that we can do to prevent tooth decay, cavities, and dental ailments. Removing the plaque can prevent cavities and this could happen only if we brush and floss our teeth daily. We can do this by brushing our teeth 2 times a day and floss at least once a day. Brushing can stimulate the gums and keeps it healthy and can also prevent gum disease. Flossing and brushing are two things that we should not neglect each day to keep our gums and teeth healthy.
How often should you brush your teeth?
The American Dental Association says that brushing teeth at least twice daily can remove plaque which may cause tooth decay and gum disease. In brushing your teeth, use a toothbrush with soft bristles and toothpaste that has fluoride. Ensure that your toothbrush fits well in your mouth so you are able to reach all areas in your mouth easily. Use gentle strokes when brushing and make sure that you brush all areas of your mouth such as teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Brushing your tongue will remove the bacteria, and can help maintain fresh breath.
How often should you floss your teeth?
Flossing teeth should be done once a day. You should floss areas between teeth to remove food debris and plaque. Flossing can help germs between teeth that can’t be reached by tooth brushing alone. Plaque triggers tooth decay and gum diseases. Recent study showed that flossing can help prevent stroke and heart attack. Insert the floss in between your teeth when flossing. Be careful not to snap because it can damage your gum tissue. Move the floss in a gentle way upward and downward in the spaces between teeth and near the gums. Make sure that all sides of the teeth are flossed. There are dental products available such as disposable dental floss which can make flossing easier.
Along with brushing and flossing, regular check ups with your dentist and proper eating habits can lessen your risk of oral related diseases such as gingivitis, periodontal disease and others.
Taking Care of your Teeth
Everybody knows that we should take care of our teeth regularly. If you neglect your teeth, it can cause tooth decay, poor gums, and cavities. Follow these simple steps in caring for your teeth:
- Regularly brush your teeth. Brushing teeth should be done two times a day for at least 2 minutes. Ensure that you cover the whole mouth including the tongue. It is best to do your brushing right after lunch and before going to sleep. For the first two minutes of your brushing, use a dry bristle toothbrush.
- Floss your teeth after eating to remove any food that is stuck between your teeth. Make use of a tongue scraper to clean the tongue. You can use your toothbrush if you do not have a tongue scraper. Use a fluoride mouthwash to rinse thoroughly the inside of your mouth. It also helps to strengthen the enamel of your teeth.
- Select the right food to eat. Prevent constant snacks which may cause plaque accumulation in your teeth thus increasing the possibility of a cavity. Eat cheese instead of chocolates. Cheese is a good source of calcium, which is needed by your teeth. Avoid sticky and sweet foods. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, and drink lots of water also. Avoid fruit juices, because they contain much sugar.
- Visit your dentist twice a year, even if you don’t have dental problems. A dental cleaning is necessary to thoroughly clean your mouth. They also give you feedback and advice on how to properly care for your teeth.
There are lots of misconceptions about proper cleaning of teeth. In brushing your teeth, apply only a small amount of toothpaste on your toothbrush. Change your toothbrush often or at least after three months. Use a circular motion in brushing your teeth and always aim at the gum line. Chewing gums can help keep moisture inside your mouth but be sure to chew gums with xylitol. Avoid doing things that can damage your teeth such as smoking and eating too much sweets.
How To Properly Floss Your Teeth
One of the best ways to prevent gum and mouth problems is by flossing your teeth. These oral problems are sometimes caused by plague and pieces of foods that are stuck between your teeth. Plague is gluey matter that is composed of bacteria that can lead to gum irritation and swelling. If you regularly visit your dentist, they will likely recommend dental floss for complete protection of your teeth and gums. Dental floss is like soft strands that are made of plastic or nylon. It can take out food particles or debris that is found between the teeth or underneath the gum areas which your toothbrush cannot get to.
For proper flossing technique for your teeth, see these tips:
- Wind a length of floss eighteen inches long around your middle finger on both hands;
- Clasp the floss with your forefinger and thumb of each hand making the floss one to two inches long and then pull it firmly so that it can floss the slit between the two teeth;
- Then in a gentle manner, you have to floss up and down the sides of the teeth and the gum areas;
- The circular motion of your fingers while flossing will prevent injury on the gum lines;
- This process should be repeated in each tooth gap;
- Uncoil the floss’ next section for each tooth and then wind the worn floss on your middle finger of the other hand doing the same procedure;
- By the round pattern process, make sure you have flossed every tooth;
It is healthy and proper to take care of your dental hygiene by regularly flossing your teeth. At first, you will experience some minor difficulties such as bleeding or swelling of the gums. But it is beneficial to floss the teeth to prevent the build-up of plaque, making your teeth and gums healthier and looking good. In the event of severe bleeding due to flossing, an immediate consultation with your dentist is advisable.