Your Kenosha Dentist will never fail to remind you to care for your teeth and gums. It is their responsibility to educate their patients about oral care but they can only do so much. The American Dental Association encourages everyone to visit the dentist at least twice a year. Therefore, the rest of the days of the year are all on you. If you don’t care for your teeth at home it will only be a matter of time before you experience oral health problems like tooth decay, gum disease and tooth infection. How do you keep your teeth and gums healthy? Here are several tips that will keep your mouth in tiptop shape:
Brush Your Teeth Every Day
Brushing your teeth should be done at least twice a day to remove bacteria and food particles. When these aren’t removed they will create plaque. Plaque is a sticky substance that will destroy your teeth by creating pits and holes called cavities. Aside from cavities, plaque can also cause gum disease as it forms along the gumline irritating your gums. When you brush, position your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards your gums. Use gentle back and forth strokes. Don’t brush hard as this can destroy your teeth and injure your gums.
Replace Your Toothbrush
Even though you bought the most expensive toothbrush in the supermarket, you still need to replace it every 3 months. If the bristles have already frayed before that, you need to ditch your toothbrush and get a new one. Cleaning won’t be as effective if the bristles are worn. It is recommended that you choose a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Floss Your Teeth Daily
Brushing and flossing go hand in hand. You can floss once a day. Flossing is necessary since your toothbrush won’t be able to remove food debris that gets stuck in between teeth. Make sure to ask your dentist the proper technique in flossing so you don’t accidentally puncture your gums.
Use A Fluoride-Based Toothpaste When You Brush
When you choose a toothpaste find one that is fluoridated since this keeps your enamel strong and it minimizes your risk of developing tooth decay.
Brush Your Teeth Thoroughly
Don’t be in a hurry. Take your time when you brush. Dental health professionals suggest you brush at least two to three minutes a day. This time frame is enough to keep your mouth clean. You can time yourself or you can hum to the tune of a two-minute song so you’ll know if it’s time to stop.
Your Choice of Food and Drinks Matter
As much as possible, limit your consumption of sugary and starchy foods since these can cause tooth decay. Instead, choose healthier teeth-friendly alternatives such as fruits and vegetables.
See Your Dentist At Least Twice A Year
Although brushing and flossing will keep plaque away, it’s not enough to achieve optimum dental health. You need to see your dentist regularly and by regularly we mean booking an appointment once every six months to have your mouth checked for signs of cavities, tooth decay and gum disease. An oral inspection of your mouth will inform your dentist if you need to be treated. These dental visits also involve professional teeth cleaning. Your dentist has the instruments needed to scrape off plaque and stubborn tartar from your teeth.
Takeaway
Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is a lifelong commitment. It doesn’t happen overnight. If you want to keep cavities and gum disease away you need to establish an oral care routine by brushing and flossing your teeth every day, by being conscious about what you eat and drink and by visiting your dentist regularly.