Healthy teeth are a lifelong commitment. You need to protect them even if they are great now. The right daily habits and oral care products are key. Did you know your tongue is important in brushing? When you brush your teeth, always brush your tongue too. Failing to may lead to oral health problems. Bad breath will be a problem. Read about some more good dental practices in this short article.
Good Dental Practices Start with Brushing – Properly
This isn’t a surprise. Bear with us. Have you ever been tempted to skip brushing before bed? I brush every morning, you say to yourself. What’s the big deal? Almost everyone brushes in the morning to get rid of bad breath, but it’s more important to brush in the evening. This gets rid of the plaque and germs that build up during the day.
How do you brush? Brushing badly or incorrectly is just as bad as not brushing. Move the brush slowly in gentle, circular motions. This gets rid of plaque. Hardened plaque leads to gum disease.
Use Fluoride Toothpaste
Herbal toothpaste without fluoride has become a thing. That’s too bad. There’s nothing wrong with trying to live “close to nature”, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of your health. Fluoride is and will always be important to oral health. It protects your teeth from decay by destroying germs. It is your teeth’s first line of defense.
Flossing is Just as Important
Flossing is a good way to reduce plaque, stimulate gums, and minimize inflammation. Too many people floss only to remove bits of food stuck between their teeth. To avail of every benefit, it’s enough to floss once a day.
Why the resistance to flossing? For one, it is hard – particularly for children and people with bone illnesses like arthritis. Don’t give up! Instead, get something to help you, like a dental flosser from the pharmacy. These are ready to use at once.
Use Mouthwash
As many people don’t know how mouthwash works, they tend to skip it. It helps by re-mineralizing the teeth and reducing the acid in the mouth. Some areas around the gums are so hard to reach that mouthwash is the only way to clean them. Mouthwash is ideal for older people and children, whose ability to brush and floss is not outstanding. Ask your dentist to recommend a mouthwash. Some types are good for sensitive teeth. Others are better for older people. You might get a mouthwash prescription from your dental health care provider.
Drink More Water
Doctors never get tired of repeating this, but we get tired of hearing it. The fact remains: water is the best drink for general and oral health. Drink a bit of water after meals. 8 glasses a day may be too many, but you should drink at least 4. Water washes out acidic and sticky foods and drinks between brushing.
Visit your Dentist Twice a Year
Even the most dutiful people need to visit their dentist in Plainfield Il. Twice a year is best. Your dentist will clean and examine your teeth and gums. They will look for cavities and get rid of calculus. They will detect potential problems and offer the right treatment.
It’s best if your insurance provider covers more frequent dental exams. Take advantage if this is the case with you. It is especially recommended if you have a history of frequent cavities, gum disease in the family, or other dental issues.
When it comes to good dental practices, Anew Dental & Orthodontics is unsurpassed. Call us today!