None of us like visiting the dentist. It’s expensive, and it’s time-consuming. And there is always that fear that the dentist will find a cavity! Of course, there are plenty of things you can do between checkups to ensure you have excellent oral health. Poor oral hygiene can lead to illnesses and diseases, so it is always worth spending those extra few minutes at each end of the day.
Start with your brushing routine. Your brushing should be thorough but not abrasive. Older teeth can have worn enamel and more fragile gums. As you get older, you should look to using softer brushes. Whitening toothpaste can sometimes cause enamel wear too. We all want white teeth so look to reducing your intake of staining foods and drinks instead.
Toothbrushes vary wildly in their quality and function. Electric toothbrushes have become very popular, but how do you know if they are doing the job as thoroughly as manual brushing? One of the best-known brands is Oral B as they have a wide range of electric toothbrushes. Always read some Oral B reviews before buying any toothbrush, to be sure it will suit you. After all, they can be a big investment.
Flossing is also very important. It reaches below the gum line to remove food that has slipped down into this area. Toothbrushes are not nearly as effective in this way. Floss every day to ensure stale food isn’t breeding bacteria that will penetrate your teeth. This can cause tooth rot, decay and cavities. It can also cause gum infections that are painful. Damage to your gums can cause your teeth to loosen and fall out.
Once you have flossed, you may want to use an interdental brush to give teeth a good polish in those tricky ‘in-between’ areas. Once your teeth and gums are cleaned of any food debris, it’s time to rinse with a good quality mouthwash. This helps destroy any bacteria, and it freshens your breath. Gargling can also help kill any germs at the back of the throat and reduce inflammation and soreness.
Your diet is important to your oral health as well. Reducing your intake of staining foods helps to keep teeth white. You should quit smoking to avoid oral cancer. Fruit acids from juice can harm teeth so try not to use straws that will prolong contact with the enamel. Sugar also harms teeth, so avoid any sugary drinks and foods that you can. Carbonated drinks including fizzy water are thought to increase the risk of damage to your enamel.
Looking after your teeth and gums is important to maintain good oral health. Many people forget that their tongue is a part of it too. You can brush your tongue gently to remove any food that may be there. It looks more attractive and smells better if you do this too! A clean tongue also frees up your taste buds to enjoy your food more. Never miss your dental check-ups. Six months is a long time, and a tooth can become damaged or rotten in less. Take care of your mouth.
