Follow These Golden Rules to Ensure Your Best Oral Hygiene
No one wants to deal with cavities, lost teeth, and bad breath, yet not everyone takes the simple steps possible to keep their teeth in the best shape possible. Why is that? Part of the reason is that many people are not sure how to best take care of their teeth at home. If you are in this boat, keep reading to learn the gold rules to taking care of your teeth, then contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 if it is time to schedule a consultation.
Brushing and Flossing
This is an obvious rule but for a good reason: It is the most important. You should be brushing at least twice per day – in the morning and at night – and you should be flossing daily. We recommend brushing after every meal, but waiting about 30 minutes to do so. If you brush right away, you can be brushing away important minerals that are there to protect your teeth when you eat.
Brush the Right Way
In addition to simply brushing, you should be sure you are brushing correctly. The truth is that the vast majority of brushers do not brush for long enough. You should for at least two minutes – preferably three minutes. Each set of teeth (upper and lower) should get a minute or a minute and a half of through brushing. You should be brushing in a circular pattern – not back and forth.
Use Your Mouthwash
Even if you brush and floss regularly and correctly, you can still miss some food particles. Rinsing is a great way to get in between those otherwise impossible to reach areas. There are other advantages of mouthwash too, such as the fact that they protect your tooth enamel and they can help prevent and/or treat gum disease. When you choose a mouthwash, look for one that has the seal of the American Dental Association (ADA).
Avoid Sugary Drinks
Americans tend to drink more soda, juice, sports drinks, and other sugary drinks compared to people in other countries. You do not have to stop drinking them altogether, but you should be aware that the acid in the soda, in addition to the sugar, can wear down your tooth enamel. If you are going to drink it, use a straw so that exposure to your teeth is limited.
Remember That Your Teeth Are Not Tools
If you can’t get the bag of chips open, or if you can’t get the top off that bottle, do not use your teeth. You might think that it is not a big deal, but over time this can wear down your teeth and cause serious oral health issues that only your dental health expert can fix.
