Keep up your teeth clean and healthy
Good oral hygiene is necessary to keep teeth and gums healthy. It involves habits such as brushing twice a day and having regular dental checkups.
Without treatment, tooth decay or gum problems can lead to pain, problems with self-confidence, and tooth loss.
People can prevent these problems with proper dental care, both at home and in the dentist’s office. The following are some best practices that can keep teeth and gums healthy.
- Brush regularly
Most people are aware that brushing their teeth twice a day is one of the most important practices for removing plaque and bacteria and keeping teeth clean. However, brushing may only be effective if people use the correct technique.
People should brush using small circular motions, taking care to brush the front, back, and top of every tooth.
The dental doctos recommend using a toothbrush that has soft bristles. They also state that people should change their toothbrush every 3 months or when the ends start to look frayed, whichever comes first.
- Floss once a day
Flossing can remove plaque and bacteria from between the teeth, where a toothbrush is unable to reach. It can also help prevent bad breath by removing debris and food that has become trapped between the teeth.
Most dental health professionals recommend gently pushing the floss all the way down to the gumline before hugging the side of the tooth with up-and-down motions.
- See a dentist regularly
Experts recommend that people see a dentist every 6 months for a checkup. During a routine dental examination, a dentist will clean the teeth and remove plaque and hardened tartar.
The dentist will check for visual signs of cavities, gum disease, mouth cancer and other oral health issues. They may sometimes also use dental X-rays to check for cavities.
The results of a recent study confirmed that children, adolescents and adults should see a dentist every six months to help prevent cavities.
- Consider a mouthwash
Certain mouthwashes can benefit oral health. For example, one review found that mouthwash containing chlorhexidine, an antibacterial, help controls plaque and bacterials.
People may wish to ask their dentist which is the best mouthwash for their individual needs. A mouthwash cannot substitute brushing and flossing, but it can complement these practices.
- Drink water instead of sugary drinks
Sugar-sweetened beverages are the number one source of added sugars in the typical diet of a lot of people . Sipping on soda, juice, or other sugary drinks can lead to a higher risk of cavities
