Dental hygiene is a crucial part of your overall health. Unfortunately, many people don’t take it as seriously as they should. While everyone should brush and floss their teeth regularly, some people don’t do it as often as they should. If you have not been diligent about brushing and flossing your teeth, now is the time to make a change! It won’t take much — as little as five minutes a day.If you don’t know where to begin, keep reading for some helpful tips that will change your life for the better in the dental hygiene department.
Be gentle with your teeth and gums.
There are two main components of keeping your teeth healthy: brushing and flossing. While you should be doing both, you can’t skip one. If you’re brushing too hard, you’re going to wear down your enamel and may even break a tooth. If you’re not flossing regularly, you’re not getting the full benefit of your daily brushing.Brushing should be gentle enough so that you don’t irritate the gums. You don’t want to brush too hard, as this can cause gum disease. Brushing should also be done in a circular motion, as this is the most effective way to clean your teeth.
Use the right tools for the job.
If you’re serious about dental hygiene, you’ll need to invest in some new tools. You’ll want a good toothbrush, toothpaste with fluoride, floss, and mouthwash. Make sure you replace your tools regularly so they are clean and effective. You can find all of these items at almost every drug store and grocery store.If you’re looking for a replacement toothbrush, a good option is the inter-dental brush. This will get into those hard-to-reach areas that a regular toothbrush can’t. Toothpaste with extra fluoride is important if you don’t have it already. Toothpaste without fluoride is not recommended for people with teeth.
Routine is everything.
If you don’t have a regular schedule for brushing and flossing, now is the time to establish one. You should brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day.You should also plan your brushing and flossing according to the seasons. Brush and floss in the morning before you eat breakfast, and then again before you go to bed. This will help to remove any debris that might have built up between meals.If you have a routine, you’ll be more likely to stick to it. You’ll also know when you’ve fallen off track and need to pick up the pace.
Don’t forget to visit your dentist.
While you should be doing your best to maintain great dental hygiene at home, it’s important to see your dentist once a year. You should be visiting your dentist twice a year for cleanings.If you are seeing a lot of build-up on your teeth, you may have developed gum disease. This is an infection that can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.If you develop a toothache, you may have a cavity. Be sure to tell your dentist if you are experiencing any problems.