Many people believe that mouthwash alone makes enough of a difference in keeping your mouth clean. The truth is, though, that brushing twice a day and flossing once a day are vital when it comes to getting all of the food and plaque out of your mouth. Without that physical cleaning, bacteria can develop over time.
Be sure to brush two times daily. Dentists and dental associations recommend this for optimal oral health. Make brushing your teeth part of your routine every day. You should also floss at these times.
What kind of toothpaste do you use? It is best to use a toothpaste that contains fluoride. If you have issues with cavities, choose a toothpaste designed to reduce your risks of developing cavities. You can also choose a product designed for people with sensitive gums if this is your case.
Brush your teeth twice a day to prevent tooth decay. When you brush, make sure to massage the gums with your toothbrush and to keep brushing for at least two minutes. Dentists recommend two minutes as a minimum amount of time to brush if you want health teeth and gums.
Make tooth brushing fun for your young children so that they will want to engage in the habit. Play games with your child like seeing who can take longest to brush their teeth. Give children stickers or stars for completing routines that include tooth brushing, and buy them a small present when they have brushed their teeth for a certain number of days in a row.
A great tip when it comes to dental hygiene is to avoid extreme temperature changes. When you go from a particularly hot environment to a cold one (or visa versa) your teeth can become very sensitive and in some cases, you can damage the enamel. This also means you shouldn’t eat hot and cold foods together.
When you don’t have time to brush, consider chewing a piece of sugar-free gum instead. Avoid aspartame as studies have shown it can have some frightening side effects health-wise. Instead, find gums, which include Xylitol such as Pur gum to have a healthy way to clean your teeth after meals.
Talk to your dentist about what kind of toothpaste you should use. Your dentist has a knowledge base to know what is good and what is just fancy packaging. Not only that, but your dentist can consider your particular teeth and choose one that works best for you and your lifestyle.
If you want a new dentist, you may want to call your insurance provider. Insurance companies can provide covered, reputable dentists. Make sure to implement the advice you’ve just read when looking for your next dentist.
Stop smoking. Smoking really does hurt your smile. You may already be aware that it discolors your teeth. Smoking also hinders blood flow to your gums. This can make it harder to detect gum disease. Smoking can cause major dental problems in the future by preventing early detection altogether.
Sometimes eating certain foods is helpful after you’ve had a meal. In fact, eating an apple after a meal can help loosen debris from the teeth and gums and get your mouth feeling fresh again. It also can remove built up gunk from the surfaces of your teeth, plus it’s low in sugar.
Regularly replace your toothbrush when it gets worn out. Using a worn-out toothbrush can redistribute old bacteria back in your mouth. It can also harm gums and teeth since its bristles are harder and spread out. It is recommended that you replace your toothbrush every three to four months.
There are several natural ways to whiten your teeth, so do not believe that spending a ton on whitening agents is your only option. Eating crunchy foods like celery, apples and carrots is a good way to naturally lift stains from teeth without the threat of damaging the enamel on them.
If you find yourself away from a toothbrush and with a less-than-clean feeling, eating certain types of food can help. Any food that is crisp, natural and firm will gently rub away debris on the surface of your teeth. Fruits and veggies like apples, celery and carrots are perfect for this purpose.
Use an electric toothbrush. Not only do these brushes help keep your teeth cleaner; they are a lot of fun to use, at least compared to a normal toothbrush. This will help you make your brushing into more of a habit. Plus, they are easier to clean and will last a long time!
The bacteria that can grow in your mouth are too much for mouthwash alone to handle. Brushing and flossing are important parts of your dental hygiene routine, because they physically clean your teeth. You may hear that mouthwash alone is enough to do the job, but that simply is not the case.
