Humans can mend bone and regrow skin, but we only get one set of adult teeth. The question is, how can we make those thirty-two teeth last our whole lives? Here are some tips for keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
- Begin with your baby teeth
For all the parents out there, you will know how difficult it is to get young children to do anything you want, especially if it is good for them. Brushing their teeth usually falls into the same category. Teaching your children to brush their teeth properly when they are young will benefit them majorly as they age. Get them into a routine of brushing twice a day and flossing. Avoiding sugary snacks may be difficult, but proper cleaning will protect their teeth against cavities from these treats. Electric toothbrushes with popular designs and music can also make it fun to do.
- After meal care
After every meal, it can be beneficial to rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash, and/or chew sugar-free chewing gum. In the latter case, the saliva created helps wash away bacteria and neutralise acid.
- Smoking and Tobacco use
There are many medical reasons to avoid any use of cigarettes and other uses of tobacco, including keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Tobacco has been widely proven to cause oral problems such as teeth staining, increased risk of gum disease, and oral cancer.
- See your dentist
As our lives get busier, we tend to put things like our health on the back-burner. It is recommended for adults and children to have a check-up with your Aurora dentist twice a year. They will check for signs of cavities, disease, and cancer, and give advice on how to best deal with these issues. The dentist will also give your teeth a professional clean, removing plaque missed by brushing and flossing.
- Care for your toothbrush
Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly after each use, making sure to store it in an open-air location. This prevents microorganisms that grow in moist environments.
- Get a new toothbrush
Your toothbrush should ideally be changed every three-to-four months. Electric toothbrushes can greatly increase your range, with the heads easily removed and replaced.
- Choose your toothpaste wisely
While it may seem as though all toothpastes are the same, this is not true. For some, they may need whitening, another needs more fluoride, and yet another needs sensitive toothpaste. Talk with your dentist about your specific oral requirements and ask for a recommendation.
- Brush your tongue
A significant amount of bacteria is found on the tongue, so it also requires brushing. Tongue scrapers can be bought in almost any grocery store, or you can choose to purchase a toothbrush with a cheek and tongue scrubber on its back.
By following these steps, you can help prevent issues that can hurt your mouth and your wallet.
