Even people who aren’t dentists agree that a smile makes you look better, more attractive (or more handsome) and in general has a positive effect on your overall health. Poor dental hygiene can make it hard for people to smile.
Some people might not be practicing the best dental hygiene. Some people may be neglecting to care for their teeth properly. These are some tips for maintaining white, healthy teeth between visits to the dentist.
CHILDREN BEFORE YOU GET GOOD DENTAL CARE
Even though we educate children about tooth decay and other dental issues, their dental health remains a problem. Nearly one in five children between the ages of 5 and 11 have at least one decayed tooth. Pediatric dentists agree that children’s oral care should begin as soon as they have their first tooth.
This happens around six months old. Baby’s teeth can be cleaned with a damp, clean cloth. A soft toothbrush can be used, but without toothpaste. Children can start brushing their own teeth at around age 2. Make sure your children brush correctly.
KEEP YOUR TOOTHBRUSH CLEAN AS YOUR DENTIST.
To keep your brush clean, you don’t need any special equipment or covers. Warm water is sufficient to rinse the bristles clean of food particles and toothpaste. The Centers for Disease Control advises against using microwaves, dishwashers, or ultraviolet lights to disinfect toothbrushes as they can cause damage to the toothbrush.
Most local Rancho Cucamonga dentists recommend that you do not store your toothbrush in a closed or covered container. The American Dental Association warns against covering your toothbrush to spread bacteria and make it easier for you to get cavities. Just like a toothbrush cover, bacteria likes to grow in moist, dark, and warm places. Keep your toothbrush upright and let it air dry.
DON’T BRUSH TEETH TOO MUCH OR TOO MANY TIMES.
Dentists recommend that you hold your toothbrush like a pencil to ensure you don’t scrub too hard. Too hard brushing can cause enamel to wear and damage your teeth cleaning tasks.
Rancho Cucamonga Dental professionals recommend that you brush your teeth at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
Instead of moving your toothbrush in a straight line, you can move it around your teeth. This increases the effectiveness of your toothbrush in removing food particles and stains. Remember to brush your back teeth!
According to the ADA, brushing should be done twice daily for at least 2 minutes each. There are several options available if you have difficulty brushing your teeth or remembering. You can either set up a YouTube video or a 2-minute song to use as a timer.
This will help you to remember how long it takes to clean your teeth thoroughly. Leading children’s dentist recommends that kids sing and recite their favorite nursery rhyme as they brush their teeth.
DENTISTS SAY: ‘FLOSS ONCE A DAY’
Brushing your teeth regularly, no matter how diligent or thorough you are, is not a solution to a good cleaning. While brushing your teeth will clean the surface, it won’t clean the inside of your teeth. Bristles can reach the places between the teeth.
Rancho Cucamonga Dental professionals say this is where Flossing comes into play. It removes food residues and other harmful substances from between your teeth.
Do you care about your oral hygiene? If so, you can start flossing at least once a day.
Eating smart is a good dental practice
Crispy or firm foods like celery, apples, and carrots will clean your teeth while you eat them. If you don’t have the time or desire to brush your teeth immediately after eating, consider making ‘detergent foods’ part of your final meal.
There are some things that dentists believe can cause dingy smiles. Consuming coffee, tea, and red wine can cause staining. Tooth discoloration can also be caused by smoking cigarettes. Frequent staining will cause your teeth to be “not-so-pearly-white”.
To reduce staining, it is a good practice to brush your teeth regularly in addition to regular cleaning. If you have dentures, you can rinse your mouth with a mouthwash that contains a bleaching agent.
RINSE OR CHEW GUM AFTER MEALS
It’s not a good idea to grab your toothbrush and toothpaste every time you eat. Instead, rinse your mouth with water after you eat. This will help remove food particles that could stain your teeth. Afterward, you can chew gum.
Chewing gum stimulates saliva production which can help give your mouth a gentle teeth cleaning. Sugar-free gum is best.
MAKE A VISIT TO YOUR DENTIST EACH 6 MONTHS
According to dental experts, a dentist should be seen at least once every six months. Rancho Cucamonga dentists can ensure that your teeth are healthy and clean.
The dentist uses a gentle technique that makes patients feel relaxed while they do their work.
A regular dental exam is important in order to spot potential problems such as bruxism, which refers to grinding your teeth, or gum disease such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
As with any medical care, it is important to identify and treat the problem as soon as possible. This will help prevent more serious dental problems in the future.
But most dentists agree with the fact that good oral hygiene can prevent most tooth decay and gum disease. Let’s get started today to maintain a beautiful smile!