Have you been programmed to crave cereals and snacks packed with sugar, sweet carbonated soft drinks, and other junk foods? Advertisers may have also convinced you that you need to buy gum, breath mints, and mouth sprays to have nice breath.
But fresh breath doesn't necessarily give you a healthy mouth and teeth. So how exactly should you take care of your teeth?
Tooth Care at Home
According to dentists, the most important part of tooth care happens at home. Brushing and flossing properly, along with regular dental checkups, can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Giving Plaque the Brush Off
To prevent cavities, you need to remove plaque, the transparent layer of bacteria that coats the teeth, by brushing your teeth twice a day. Brushing also stimulates the gums, which helps to keep them healthy and prevent gum disease. Brushing - along with flossing - is the most important thing that you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Tips on Proper Brushing
Dentists say that the minimum time you should spend brushing your teeth is 2 minutes twice a day. Here are some tips on how to brush properly.
Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle against your gumline. Gently brush (hard scrubbing may cause receding gums, tooth sensitivity, and over time, loose teeth) from where the tooth and gum meet to the chewing surface in short (about half-a-tooth-wide) strokes.
Use the same method to brush all outside and inside surfaces of your teeth.
To clean the chewing surfaces of your teeth, use short sweeping strokes, tipping the bristles into the pits and crevices.
To clean the inside surfaces of your top and bottom front teeth and gums, hold the brush almost vertical. With back and forth motions, bring the front part of the brush over the teeth and gums.
Using a forward-sweeping motion, gently brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth to remove the decay-causing bacteria that exist in these places.
Use an egg timer or play a favorite song while brushing your teeth to get used to brushing for a full 2 to 3 minutes.
Going to the Dentist
The main reason for going to the dentist regularly - every 6 months - is prevention. The goal is to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other disorders that put the health of your teeth and mouth at risk.
Remeber to try and brush your teeth twice in the morning and before you go to bed.
