In honor of February being the National Children’s Dental Health month, here are a few tips on how to properly care for your teeth on a daily basis. Each day we eat and drink foods that cause plaque build up that can cause cavities and even tooth decay. To keep your teeth strong and healthy here is what you need to do.
1. Brush, Brush, and Brush Right!
Not only is it important to brush every day, but it is very important that you are brushing correctly. The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day. The best times of the day to brush are in the morning and right before you go to bed. When you brush, you should brush for at least 2 minutes each time. This allows you enough time to brush all surfaces of your teeth removing any plaque build up you may have. Be sure to brush with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
2. Floss those Teeth!
Brushing does not finish the job of caring for your teeth. Though the toothbrush removes all the plaque from the surface of your teeth, it cannot reach the food that is stuck in between your teeth. You can clean between your teeth by using floss, interdental brushes, a Water Pik, or an air flossing device. Flossing should be done at least once a day, every day.
3. Use a Mouth Rinse
After you brush your teeth you should always use a mouth rinse to finish off the bacteria growing in your mouth. There is a difference between using a mouth rinse and a mouthwash. Mouthwash is used to freshen breath. A mouth rinse is an antiseptic that helps reduce the bacteria growing in your mouth.
4. GO TO THE DENTIST!
It is extremely important that you visit the dentist twice a year for a cleaning. The dentist can remove any tartar build up you may have and can check to make sure your gums are healthy. They can also check for any signs of cavities. It is better to catch any problems early on, before they can cause more damage to your teeth.
Keeping your teeth healthy and strong is very easy to do. Get yourself into a daily routine of following these steps. There is nothing better than a healthy and beautiful smile!