We all know that the most important thing to keeping our teeth free from disease and decay is to brush and floss every day. We live in a time where we the knowledge to take care of our teeth combined with office dental treatments have provided people with a beautiful smile throughout their life. With these tips you are on your way to taking care of your teeth.
The key to maintaining your pearly whites is prevention. The majority of teeth and gum problems can be linked to the sticky lay of bacteria which is commonly known as plaque. Plaque attracts particles of food and other bacteria to remain on your teeth which can cause serious infections. To prevent this we know that to brush and floss. But do you do it correctly?
Proper Brushing
Our parents taught us how to do things as we were growing up. We did the best we could as children, but often have changed, modified, or adapted the ways we do things as we became adults and discovered better ways. Unfortunately, the majority of us still brush our teeth the same way we did as a child. The following are some recommended guidelines for optimal health in your teeth and gums.
When and How to Brush
Brush lightly at least twice a day, for two minutes, but no more than three times in a day. The ideal times for brushing are after breakfast in the morning, and before bed at night to remove bacteria. Avoid more than three times in a day as that can start to destroy the protective enamel on your teeth and may damage your gums. It helps to develop some kind of routine, or order, to ensure you get all parts of every tooth with each cleaning.
What Type of Toothbrush to Use
The most important thing to look for when purchasing a new toothbrush is that it has the seal of approval from the American Dental Association. Remember to purchase a new toothbrush at least every three months. You will want to select a brush with a rating of soft or extra soft to prevent damage to your gums.
Toothpaste
There is a large selection of toothpastes available. They have created toothpastes for sensitive teeth, or to help whiten them, and special formulas for plaque and tartar control. The majority of toothpastes have fluoride to prevent cavities and early decay. If you do not feel your teeth require special toothpaste simply pick the one which tastes best to you.
Proper Flossing
Brushing cleans the large surfaces of your teeth, but it is equally as important to remove the food and bacteria from BETWEEN them as well. Dentists recommend flossing a minimum of once a day. For the best results select a time when you won’t be rushed so you can do a thorough cleaning. Make sure to clean between each tooth and repeat if necessary. It is recommended to not use the same piece of floss again as it may transfer bacteria from one tooth to another. When it comes to floss you have plenty of options including flavored, unflavored, waxed, and unwaxed.