Good gum and tooth care is an essential part of oral health that should not be neglected. But let’s be honest… nobody loves to visit the dentist, especially if you require any reconstructive procedure on your teeth.
Even with the recent rapid developments in dental technology, undergoing such procedures as root canals or even getting a simple filling is the pits. Extracting a tooth is even worse. So, how can you stay away from that dental chair? Can you care for your teeth in such a way that you don’t have to visit your dentist?
The simple answer is no.
Even if you practice excellent oral hygiene, you still have to visit your dentist, just as you see your doctor for your annual checkup. You also need to find the right dentist to help you take good care of your gums and teeth.
However, there if you follow these simple and practical teeth care tips at home, you may be able to prevent cavities and gum disease. These steps will help you to avoid a painful tooth extraction or expensive root canal procedure.
Simple Teeth Care Tips at Home for a Beautiful Smile
Everyone wants a fresh-smelling breath, healthy gums and a beautiful smile. Making sure that your teeth and gums are healthy is one of the main reasons why we regularly visit dentists.
The American Dental Association recommends that you should visit your dentist twice a year. In between these visits, it’s your responsibility to take good care of your teeth. Here are some smart teeth cares tips at home that will help you achieve a healthier (and great-looking) smile:
- Use the Right Tooth Brush. A multi-tufted soft-bristled toothbrush, which has a small head that is comfortable in your mouth and an easy-to-grasp handle, is ideal. Always remember to change your toothbrush after its bristles become worn or too soft.
- Don’t brush too often or too hard. Dentists recommended that you brush twice a day, but if you are doing more than that then you might be damaging your gums. Also, don’t brush too aggressively or for too long. Your dentist can demonstrate how to brush your teeth and how long to brush your teeth, too.
- Floss at least once per day. Flossing helps to remove plaque in regions where the brush is unable to reach. Extracting the small bits of food from your teeth and eliminating plaque are just a couple of benefits of flossing teeth.
- Avoid Sugary snacks. According to the National Institute of Health, sugary foods are the major contributor to tooth decay problems in our world today. One easy way to cut down on sugar is to switch out sugary carbonated beverages for a nice glass of water.
- Avoid bad dental health habits. Some habits like excessive consumption of tobacco products or chewing on fingernails or pencils are detrimental to your oral health.
- Always use fluoride toothpaste. Scientific research has shown that Fluoride repairs the enamel and prevents tooth cavities.
- Inform your dentist immediately. If you notice bumps, lumps, ulcers or bleeding gums, that’s an issue you need to bring to your dentist’s attention ASAP.
How Long to Brush Teeth?
“How long should I brush my teeth?” This is a common question among people concerned about their dental health. According to the American Dental Association, people should brush their teeth at least two minutes twice a day. Plaque. a layer that coats your teeth, can lead to tooth decay and gum disease if it’s not properly cleaned away.
5 Surprising Health Benefits of Flossing Teeth That You Never Knew.
Every time you visit a dentist, you are always reminded that you should floss and brush your teeth regularly. Flossing can remove food particles stuck between your teeth, but it can achieve a lot more. Here are the surprising health benefits of flossing teeth you can enjoy daily:
1. Flossing Prevents Gum Disease
Gingivitis is a painful condition characterized by swollen or bleeding gums after an inflammation. One simple way of preventing gingivitis is by flossing regularly; this helps to remove plaque buildup which is the primary cause of the disease.
2. Flossing Makes Brushing Your Teeth More Effective
The combination of flossing and brushing your teeth is far much better than brushing alone. Dentists recommend that you floss your teeth before brushing them. It makes your brushing more effective since flossing removes food debris stuck between your teeth that would otherwise hinder your toothbrush action.
3. Flossing Saves You Money
By making sure that you brush and floss your teeth daily, as recommended, you will be doing your best to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. This will save you money in the long run, as the cost of a root canal or filling can be higher (almost hundreds of dollars). Flossing takes little effort or time, and you can make it part of your daily ritual. This will save you from painful tooth extractions or fillings.
4. Flossing Reduces Bad Breath
Bad breath is mainly caused by buildup of tartar which gives strongest smells. Tartar can be removed by normal brushing, but flossing helps to dislodge tartar between your teeth and gums. People with bad breath who start flossing on a daily basis will note improvements in less than one week.
5. Flossing Gives You a Clean and Beautiful Smile
This is no doubt the most obvious benefit. By removing food debris between your teeth and gums, you will have a fresh breath and ultimately you will enjoy a clean and beautiful smile.
Learn How to Rinse After Brushing Teeth
Once you have finished brushing your teeth, what do you do next? Some people take water to rinse the extra fluoride flavor in their mouth. However, others rinse with a mouthwash first. But if you want your teeth to remain healthy and strong, avoid rinsing your mouth with water after brushing your teeth.
When you brush, your teeth get coated with a fluoride film which prevents tooth decay. When you use water to rinse, you erode all the benefits that the fluoride coating could offer and your teeth will succumb to decay over time.
The best way of combating this is by rinsing your mouth with the right liquid. Always use an alcohol-free mouthwash to rinse your teeth after brushing. This will help to remove the extra toothpaste in your mouth, without subjecting your teeth to problems.
Final Thoughts
With proper care, your gums and teeth can remain healthy and strong throughout your life. There are several steps that you can take at home to improve your dental health,including brushing your teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste, flossing your teeth daily, visiting a dentist regularly for cleaning and checkups, avoiding sugary drinks and foods among others.
Along with taking care of your oral health, teeth and gums, learn how dental implants helps to restore your smile.