Unhealthy teeth and gums are harmful to your well-being. Bacteria from an unhealthy mouth can travel through your bloodstream and potentially lead to clots, stroke, and heart attacks. The relationship between proper dental hygiene and your overall health has been proven to go hand-in-hand. Therefore, it is imperative that you develop habits to maintain a healthy smile. Making your dental health a priority is easy and only takes a few minutes a day.
Get the Right Toothbrush
Soft toothbrushes are easy on the teeth, yet still provide a thorough cleaning. Electric toothbrushes also provide deep cleaning while preserving the enamel of your teeth. Check this 10masters review on the best electric toothbrushes on the market. Stay away from firm toothbrushes, as they tend to scratch and scrape the teeth and gums. Ask your dentist what he or she recommends for your specific needs. Often, the dentist or dental hygienist will provide you with a sample toothbrush. Remember to discard a toothbrush after 2-3 months of regular use. Electric toothbrush heads should also be changed after three months of use.
Take Your Time When Brushing Your Teeth
Your brushing technique is also important. An up and down motion is the best way to brush your teeth because the brushes will be traveling across the natural slopes of your mouth. Do not scrub vigorously, rather brush thoroughly and gently. Scrubbing your teeth too hard can damage the tooth enamel and scratch your teeth. The toothpaste you use should contain fluoride to prevent cavities. Some toothpaste contains whitening agents, which can help your teeth become brighter, whiter, and more attractive. However, whitening toothpaste can also contain abrasives, so a gentle yet meticulous brushing technique should be used.
Understand the Importance of Flossing
Many of us have had a lecture from our dentist about not flossing often enough. Try to set aside a minute or two to floss your teeth before bed each night. Flossing removes food particles that can’t be reached with normal brushing. Without removal, these particles will begin to decay, causing bad breath and gingivitis.
Learn to Use Mouthwash Regularly
An antiseptic mouthwash can also be used on a daily basis to kill bacteria and freshen breath. Chewing sugar-free gum after a meal is another way to remove loose food particles from teeth, preventing staining, halitosis, and cavities.
When you are taking these measures to maintain your dental hygiene, you can consult a cosmetic dentist about other appearance issues that you would like remedied. Teeth whitening can be done to brighten your smile and lift your self-confidence. Teeth whitening was traditionally done with a bleaching agent, but laser whitening is a modern technique that is gaining popularity amongst cosmetic dentists.