Having nice teeth can boost your confidence and self-esteem. To keep your teeth healthy and strong you have to do a lot more than brush them twice daily or have bulk toothbrushes.
Even if you brush regularly, there is a chance that you may develop some oral conditions. According to a recent survey, only 1 in 10 persons knows how to brush properly. Not brushing properly may lead to the build-up of plaque, which can cause several dental issues. Besides brushing properly, there are a few other things you may not know about oral care. This article is going to unveil them.
Not brushing your tongue
Your teeth aren’t the only place that houses bacteria, food remains, grim, and plaque. They are also on your tongue. So if you don’t clean your tongue regularly, these bacteria are going to accumulate and cause oral issues like mouth odor. Be sure to gently clean your tongue anytime you brush your teeth. While you have the freedom to use a bamboo toothbrush or regular toothbrush, dental care experts recommend using a tongue scraper.
Choose the right toothpaste
The toothpaste you use matters. Presently, there are many toothpaste brands on the market that over-promise, but only a few can actually deliver.
Many people only focus on things like the flavor and the whitening power of toothpaste before making a purchase. According to dentists, the single most important thing you should check when purchasing a toothpaste is its fluoride content.
In the last couple of years, there has been a lot of fuzz about how fluoride affects our general health. Despite this, fluoride remains the one main substance that can prevent tooth decay. Floride is potent and can kill the bacteria that cause tooth decay and protect our teeth.
Don’t store your bulk toothbrushes in the wrong place
Where do you store your toothbrush after brushing your teeth? If you are like most people, you store it in your bathroom. Dentists have pointed out that this isn’t really a good idea. You see, when you store your toothbrush in your bathroom particles from the toilet may enter them. It is best you store your bulk toothbrushes in an enclosed space away from your bathroom. And if you must store it in your bathroom, make sure you keep it in a cabinet that can be closed.
Always use Dental floss
Toothbrushes are designed specifically to remove food remains, plaque, and harmful bacteria from our mouths. But they have their limitations. Toothbrushes may not be able to remove food remains from hard-to-reach areas like between your teeth. This is where a dental floss comes in. Dental floss can effortlessly remove food and plaque stuck between your teeth.
Replace your toothbrush every three months or earlier
The effectiveness of your toothbrush reduces each time you use it. This is why dentists recommend changing it every 3 months. Ignoring this warning will put your oral health at risk.
When you use an old or worn-out toothbrush you won’t be able to remove bacteria, plaque, and food remains effective.
If your toothbrush is still in good condition after using it for three months, it is still important that you change it. Old toothbrushes are usually loaded with bacteria from your mouth. Using them means re-introducing these harmful bacteria back into your mouth.
Increase your water intake
Choosing water over juice, soda, and other beverages can do a lot of good for your oral health. Drinking water after meals can help wash down the acid in your food. These acids can wear away your enamel.
Visit your dentist twice yearly
Even if you follow a good oral care routine, it is wise that you still visit a dentist for checkups and cleaning a couple of times a year. Your dentist can spot issues and offer the right treatment before they progress and become difficult to address.
Final note
Improving your oral health may mean adopting new habits and making a few changes to your routine. Brushing your tongue, drinking more water, using toothpaste that contains fluoride, and storing your toothbrush properly can make a huge difference in your oral health.