Having good dental hygiene means going further than just brushing your teeth. Adding flossing to your regimen probably isn't the only thing you should do either. Your teeth need to be cared for throughout the day. If your dentist is regularly finding issues or you're dismayed by how your teeth look, you need to make a change. These are five tips for proper dental hygiene that will help your teeth look, work, and feel much better.
Proper Brushing
We're taught how to brush our teeth at a young age. However, proper brushing technique needs to be stressed more. If you're hurriedly scrubbing your toothbrush across your teeth, you need to learn better. You need to brush two minutes at a time. You also need to be brushing on your gums and backs of your teeth. It's also very important to not brush too hard. Doing so can cause problems by wearing out your teeth. Your toothbrush can also make a big difference in your experience. Manual toothbrushes may be cheaper, but they're ineffective compared to a good electric toothbrush. With an electric one, you can get more benefits with less work. Shop around for an electric toothbrush that the dental community has endorsed and won't be too expensive.
Flossing
You eat a meal and go to brush your teeth afterward. All seems well, but food particles are burrowed in your teeth. Now, bacteria has a breeding ground. It might seem scary, but it's just a reminder of why flossing is so important. It shouldn't just be done when you feel food in your teeth. There could be bits that you don't notice, but can fester in your teeth. Proper flossing technique involves getting up against the teeth and gums. Get the floss wrapped around each tooth. Don't let used floss into your teeth, as that could let bacteria spread. If you're ever thinking about skipping a flossing session, ask yourself if it's worth risking the effects. A bit of food stuck in your teeth today could become a cavity before you know it. Keep your teeth in good hands and don't let yourself fall behind on flossing.
Mouthwash
Mouthwash isn't a substitute for brushing or flossing. However, it can be a worthwhile addition to your oral care habits. Use a good mouthwash to help tackle plaque and tooth decay. Be careful to not use it right after brushing your teeth, as it might take away some of the positive effects of your toothpaste. Mouthwash can be good following a meal away from home, when you don't have access to your toothbrush or floss. Swish it around your mouth and wait at least half an hour before consuming and food or beverages. Thanks to mouthwash, you can have a better line of defense against conditions like gingivitis.
Eat Right
Your teeth are pretty strong, but they're also very sensitive. Anyone's who eaten Halloween candy knows how much damage certain foods can do. Some of it's immediate, like sticking to your teeth. However, some of it takes longer, such as enamel being worn away by soft drinks. You need to steer away from food items that will do damage to your teeth or make it hard to use them. Look towards foods that benefit your teeth. These include cheese, carrots, and apples. Should you eat something sticky or sugary, brush right away. Coffee can heavily stain your teeth, so you don't want to overdo your daily dosage.
Cover Your Whole Mouth
When you brush your teeth, you should also be brushing your gums, tongue, and other parts of your mouth. Bacteria can make their way to these locations as well. In fact, you could be dealing with a serious case of bad breath due to not brushing your tongue. You don't need a special device for this task. Just take your toothbrush and gently rub it against your tongue. To suppress your gag reflex, put your left hand into a fist, squeezing your thumb. You'll experience fresher breath and a healthier mouth through this method. While gum and mints can temporarily cover up bad breath, you need to really get around your mouth to make a real difference.
Having healthy teeth might not seem like a privilege, but it's contingent on whether you take care of them. Those who know how to keep their teeth clean get to enjoy keeping their teeth functional. There might be a few things to remember, but you'll quickly get the hang of it. Then, you'll be able to enjoy having teeth that are in optimal condition.