You know very well how important your teeth are.
They’re not there simply to assist you in chewing your food but to help you achieve better physical health and mental well-being.
That said, you should know how to take care of them properly.
But how can you ensure that your teeth are strong and healthy?
To answer this question, here are some dental care tips from the experts you should know about:
· Brush Your Teeth Thoroughly and Regularly
According to the American Dental Association or ADA, following the 2×2 rule is the best way you can brush your teeth. This means that you should scrub your teeth with a toothbrush twice every day (once in the morning and once in the evening) for two minutes for each session. You may use any toothbrush, but experts recommend one with soft bristles or filaments.
You should be thorough when brushing your teeth, but be gentle. Being too rough, especially on your gums, may cause bleeding. Make sure to scrub your teeth’s outer, inner, and chewing surfaces.
· Use a Fluoride Toothpaste and Mouthwash
Studies have shown that fluoride helps prevent tooth decay because it can slow down the breakdown of enamels and enhance their remineralization process. This is why dentists recommend using toothpaste and mouthwashes that contain such an element.
Studies and reviews also show that even if you do brush and floss your teeth regularly, you may still get cavities if you don’t use fluoride. This is why many communities in the US use fluoridated water. Organizations like the ADA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC, and the World Health Organization or WHO also promote such practice.
· Floss Your Teeth Daily
A toothbrush can’t reach the spaces between your teeth. So, to ensure that you can remove the bacteria, plaques, foods, or other debris trapped in those areas, the ADA and CDC recommend the usage of floss. Be more careful when flossing your teeth, as it may snap and cause pain or bleeding.
· Don’t Forget to Scrape Your Tongue
Although you can clean your tongue using a toothbrush, you might want to consider using a tongue scraper to be more thorough. By using such a tool, you’ll be able to ensure that you’ll remove harmful bacteria that can inflame your gums and cause tooth cavities.
· Cut Down on Acidic Beverages and Sugary Foods
Acidic beverages and sugary foods such as soda, coffee, fruit juice, cordial, candy, cake, and ice cream can be very delicious, so many people love to consume them. However, eating or drinking such foods and beverages on a regular basis can be bad for your oral health.
They can wear your enamel away and cause cavities. You may consume such beverages once in a while, but make sure to swish water in your mouth after drinking to break down the acids.
· Quit Smoking Cigarettes
Smoking cigarettes is not only bad for your teeth, gums, and mouth but also for your overall health. They can stain your teeth and cause bad breath. They can also harm your immune system, making it difficult for your body to heal tissues in your mouth after a dental procedure. According to CDC, smoking can also increase your risk for gum disease and oral cancer.
· Visit Your Dentist For Regular Check-Ups
Some people only visit their dentists during emergency situations, especially when they experience toothaches, mouth sores, and bleeding gums. But this shouldn’t be the case. Even when you believe that your teeth are healthy, experts suggest that you should still see your tooth doctor every six months.
Sometimes, oral problems are difficult to detect. So, visiting your dentist for regular check-ups can help you ensure that you have good oral health. And if your tooth doctor finds any issues, they’ll be able to treat them right away.
Get in Touch With Your Dentist Today!
If you want to learn more ways to keep your teeth healthy and strong, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist right away. They’ll surely be more than happy to assist you with your needs. They’re experts in taking care of people’s oral health, so they can definitely provide you with the right pieces of advice. Contact them now to schedule an appointment.
