Great dental hygiene doesn't stop at simply brushing your teeth twice a day. Learn all the necessary steps for a perfect smile with these tips.
1. USE THE PROPER BRUSHING TECHNIQUE Brush your teeth twice a day, as you've probably been told since you were a kid. Using a quick wash using your bristles isn’t enough. It will leave some leftover food particles unless you use the right brushing technique: you need to start brushing at a 45-degree angle to your gums. Make use of short back and forth strokes across your teeth’s sides and tops. Use the brush vertically and make shorter strokes. Focus on your front anterior teeth’s back since plaque often builds up there.
2. BRUSH ENOGHT Many people brush their teeth on a daily basis. But the problem starts when you don’t brush enough to ensure that your teeth stay clean. Brushing for at least two minutes, twice a day, is suggested by the Ontario Dental Association.
3. PICK THE RIGHT BRUSH The right brush will help you get better teeth since you can brush hard-to-reach teeth areas. Use one that has a small head and bristles. It will reach into the crevices of your molars, where most food particles get stuck.
4. FLOSS DAILY. It's recommended to floss every night before brushing to remove anything your toothbrush is unable to dislodge. Many patients admit to skipping this step, but it is an important part of a healthy routine. If you only brush and decide you don't need to floss, small particles of food and other deposits that are missed by your toothbrush can eventually develop into decay.
5. USE MOUTHWASH These products can help you reach the areas where both toothbrushes and flosses can’t enter. This ensures that you remove the food debris that causes gingivitis by irritating the gumline.
6. USE TONGUE SCRAPERS There are some brands of toothbrush that come with a ridged tongue scraper. More often than not, it’s located at the back of the brush. Make good use of it since bacteria can still persist on the tongue even while you brush.
7. CLEAN YOUR BRUSH ON A REGULAR BASIS There’s no excuse since you don’t need special equipment and cover to keep the brush clean. The ODA warns that covering the toothbrush cultivates new bacteria that you’ll get inside your mouth. That’s why it’s more important to rinse the brush and allow the air to dry it after.
8. CHANGE YOUR BRUSH The bristles of your brush will deteriorate the more you use it. That’s why you might not get the best clean if you use the same toothbrush for more than a few months. The general guideline is to get a new brush every 3-4 months.
9. HEALTHY DIET. Avoiding sweetened foods (such as pop, sports drinks, and candy) as well as including foods high in calcium will help to support strong and healthy teeth. As a side benefit, your body will thank you too! Some foods that will help to strengthen your teeth include leafy greens, almonds, yogurt, and cheese. Speak to your dentist for recommendations of foods that will help keep your teeth strong for years to come.
10. VISIT YOUR DENTIST EVERY SIX MONTHS. Your dentist will be able to prevent issues before they start, or at least to catch them early, if you have regular dental appointments. Regular visits also allow your teeth to get a thorough professional cleaning twice a year, removing any buildup of plaque and tartar, which helps to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
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