It is important to practice good oral hygiene to prevent problems from tooth decay, gingivitis or halitosis, but you may not understand all of the ways that you can care for your teeth. Here are some tips for caring for your teeth and gums.
Tip 1: Buy the Right Type of Toothbrush
If you are using an old toothbrush, then you are reintroducing bacteria into your mouth each day. Old toothbrushes become dirty from food particles that develop bacteria that will infect your teeth and gums. Replace your toothbrush frequently.
Tip 2: Using Fluoridated Toothpaste
Fluoride is a substance that will strengthen the dental enamel on your teeth. When you buy toothpaste, check its ingredient label to make sure that fluoride is listed.
Tip 3: Start Brushing In a Different Location Each Time
Rather than brushing your teeth in the same way each time, begin by placing the brush in a different location. This helps to clean and strengthen different teeth in your mouth.
Tip 4: Use a Tongue Scraper to Remove Biofilm
When you look at your tongue, it may have a white coating or biofilm. This coating contains thousands of bacteria that can invade your teeth and gum tissue, leading to gingivitis and bad breath. Use a tongue scraper to remove these bacteria.
Tip 5: Brush Your Teeth after Eating
While dentists recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day, if you want to have good oral hygiene, then you should brush after eating. This means that you might brush your teeth up to six times a day if you consume three meals and three snacks.
Tip 6: Remember to Floss Your Teeth
Flossing your teeth will remove the food debris and bacteria that collect along the gums or between your teeth. These areas are the worst places to get a cavity in a tooth, and these locations are also where dangerous gum disease typically begins.
Tip 7: Rinse With Mouthwash
For additional cleansing, use a mouthwash that contains antiseptics that destroy bacteria or fluoride that will strengthen your teeth. A high-quality mouthwash can also remove the biofilm from your tongue, and it can improve your breath.
Tip 8: Stop Smoking Cigarettes
If you smoke cigarettes, then you should know that the nicotine in cigarettes is bad for your gum tissue, soft oral tissues and teeth. In addition to discoloring your teeth, tobacco can change the blood flow in your mouth, leading to dental health issues.
Tip 9: Use an Oral Irrigator
You can buy an oral irrigator appliance that emits highly pressurized water into your mouth to dislodge debris that sticks to your teeth and gums. Dentists recommend using these appliances at least once a week to keep the mouth cleaner.
Tip 10: Visit Us Twice a Year
For good oral hygiene, make sure to visit Mountain View Dental in Pleasant View, Utah every six months for an examination and dental cleaning. Call us today at 385-324-3557 to schedule an appointment at our comfortable dental office.
