A beautiful smile and healthy teeth provide us with increased self-confidence.
Despite the fact that most of us know the basic rules for dental care from childhood, many people tend to neglect them. However, the main thing is regularity and attention to detail. In this article, we gathered five effective tips on how to keep your teeth healthy.
1. Brush your teeth regularly and correctly
Maintaining proper oral hygiene is not an easy task. The tips listed below can help you brush your teeth properly and prevent the development of various diseases.
Brush your teeth regularly (at least 2 times a day), preferably after each meal
Brush your teeth before bedtime (the evening toothbrushing protects your teeth from tooth decay)
Use soft and short movements from the base of the tooth to its cutting edge. Brush your teeth in pairs, place the bristles at an angle of 45 degrees to the surface of the teeth
Don't press too hard on your gums to avoid injuries
2. Choose the right toothbrush
Consider the choice of your main "tool" for oral carer carefully. Select the stiffness of the bristles according to the condition of your teeth and gums. The most common option is medium bristle stiffness, but it still doesn’t suit everyone. If you have sensitive gums or tooth enamel, choose a soft-bristled brush.
Take care of your toothbrush. It is essential to change it at least once every three months. If you have had some disease, rinse your toothbrush hot water or take new. Dry your toothbrush after each brushing. Don’t store children's and adult toothbrushes in the same cup because bacteria and microbes easily pass from one brush to another.
3. Use dental floss
Even the most "advanced" toothbrush cannot completely clean the oral cavity, especially in hard-to-reach places. That’s why you should use a special dental floss. Dentists recommend using it daily to prevent the development of tooth decay and other oral health issues.
There is a huge variety of floss on the market today. They are divided into flat and round. Flat floss cleans tight interdental spaces and is suitable for people with a crowded dentition. Round floss can clean wide interdental spaces.
Depending on whether the floss is saturated with wax, it can be waxed or unwaxed. Waxed dental floss is more suitable for beginners because it is easier to use and such floss cleans interdental spaces better. Unwaxed floss easily removes food debris and plaque.
To choose the right floss, it is better to consult your dental specialist. The doctor will advise you which thread you need taking into account your bite, shape, and condition of your teeth. It is also important to use your dental floss correctly:
Prepare a floss section with a length of 10-15 inches (use a clean part of floss for each interdental space)
Wind one end of the thread around the index or middle finger of your right hand
Clamp the second end between the index and thumb of the left hand
Start cleaning your teeth from the upper jaw. Insert the thread into the interdental gap and gently bring it to the gum while moving the thread back and forth
Clean the interdental spaces with gentle movements that follow the contours of the gums to avoid injuries
4. Rinse your mouth with special solutions
In addition to daily teeth brushing and flossing, you should also rinse your mouth in the morning and evening with special mouthwashes. There is a huge variety of solutions on the market today.
You should pay attention to the mouthwashes that contain natural ingredients (for example, probiotics). Such a rinse agent effectively suppresses different groups of bacteria, prevents gum disease, protects teeth from tooth decay, and refreshes your breath.
5. Visit your dentist regularly
Dental health is determined not only by proper oral hygiene but also by many other factors that we don’t always can prevent or avoid. An unhealthy diet, stress, lack of sleep, and weakened immunity also have a negative impact on the condition of your teeth and gums. That’s why (even if you don’t experience any oral health issues) be sure to contact your dentist two times a year for a preventive examination.