Back to Basics: Are You Taking Care of Your Oral Health as Well as You Could Be?
Ideally, a person starts brushing their teeth when their teeth first come in, and they continue to brush throughout their lives. The downside to this is that it can become so automatic that some people no longer consider if they are brushing correctly. Keep reading for the basics on at-home oral health care to make sure you’re still doing it right, then contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 if you need to schedule a dental cleaning and exam.
How to Correctly Brush Your Teeth
When you brush teeth, you are getting rid of food particles, stains on the surface of the teeth, and bacteria on the teeth and within the mouth. Generally speaking, most people should brush a minimum of two times per day. If you brush at night, you will get rid of bacteria and food particles so that they do not cause damage overnight. If you brush in the morning, you will freshen your breath.
Remember that properly brushing does not just involve your teeth, but you should brush your tongue and cheeks too. Ideally, you should brush for two minutes and you should brush not in a back and forth motion, but in a circular motion. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damage to your gums that can be caused by vigorous brushing.
How and Why to Floss Daily
It is essential to floss because flossing can get to places between your teeth that your toothbrush cannot get to. This gets rid of food particles and bacteria both from between your teeth and also at the gum line. You should floss at least once per day.
Heating a Healthy Diet Can Make a Big Difference
You were likely not surprised to see either of the above tips listed, but did you expect to see the advice to eat a healthy diet? It can actually make a huge impact. If you avoid acidic drinks, processed foods full of chemicals, and foods with high sugar content, then the enamel on your teeth is likely to be stronger than if you do eat these unhealthy foods. On the other hand, if you eat foods that are high in nutrients, you can prevent teeth weakening that might otherwise happen over time.
Going to the Dentist Every Six Months
Getting regular dental checkups is important. Even if you follow all the other advice, you still need to have a professional remove tartar and plaque buildup. You need to have a dentist assess your oral health so that we can take steps to treat minor issues before they become serious. If it has been more than six months since your last dental appointment, contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to learn more.
