How to Keep the Dentist Away: Tips to have Clean Teeth
Say Goodbye to Cavities and Hello to a Bright Smile
Good oral hygiene is essential for overall health, and keeping the dentist away is a great way to save money and stay healthy. Knowing how to properly care for your teeth is important to maintain a clean and healthy mouth. In this article, we will discuss the different tips and tricks that you can use to keep the dentist away by having clean teeth. We will explore the various methods of brushing, flossing, and other preventative measures that you can take to maintain a healthy smile.
#1. Let the Brush Do the Talking
First, it is important to use a soft-bristled brush and to use gentle, circular motions when brushing your teeth. Start from the gum line and work your way up. Make sure to brush every surface of each tooth, including the back side of the molars. Take your time to brush for at least two minutes, twice a day.
It is also important to use fluoride toothpaste when brushing your teeth. Fluoride helps to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. It is important to never swallow toothpaste as it may contain large amounts of fluoride.
After brushing your teeth, make sure to rinse your mouth with water to help remove any remaining plaque or food particles. This will help reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease.
#2. Flossing your Teeth Correctly
While brushing your teeth twice a day helps to remove plaque and food particles, flossing can reach places that a toothbrush can’t, such as between the teeth and below the gum line. Therefore, you must floss your teeth regularly and correctly.
The best way to floss your teeth is to start with about 18–24 inches of dental floss, which you can wrap around both index fingers. Then, use a gentle sawing motion to move the floss between each tooth and below the gum line. When you are done, use a clean section of floss to repeat the process until you have finished flossing all your teeth. Make sure to not snap the floss against your gums as this could irritate you.
It is recommended to floss at least once a day to prevent gum disease and cavities. If you have difficulty flossing, you can try using a floss pick or an interdental brush instead.
#3. Rinsing your Mouth Correctly
Rinsing your mouth is an essential part of a healthy oral hygiene routine. It helps to remove food particles, reduce plaque and freshen your breath. Here are a few tips for how to properly rinse your mouth:
a. Use lukewarm water: Start by filling a cup with lukewarm water and swish it around your mouth for at least 30 seconds. This helps to remove food particles and plaque that may be stuck in between your teeth.
b. Gargle with salt water: Adding a teaspoon of salt to your lukewarm water and gargling can help to reduce inflammation and neutralize the pH in your mouth, thus reducing bad breath. It can also reduce the growth of bacteria in your mouth.
c. Rinse with mouthwash: Using a natural, alcohol-free mouthwash after brushing and flossing can help to reduce plaque and bacteria in your mouth, as well as freshen your breath.
#4. Chewing Gum Correctly
Chewing gum may seem like an odd way to keep the dentist away, but it actually can help improve your oral health! Chewing sugar-free gum can help reduce plaque buildup on your teeth. The act of chewing stimulates the production of saliva, which can neutralize acids in the mouth and help to prevent tooth decay.
When choosing a gum to chew, be sure to select a sugar-free variety. Gum with sugar can promote tooth decay, so it is important to stick to sugar-free options. Additionally, look for gum that contains xylitol. Xylitol is a natural sweetener that has been shown to help reduce bacteria levels in the mouth and help protect against tooth decay.
Ensure not to overdo it when it comes to chewing gum. Chew no more than 10 minutes at a time and try to choose gums that are low in calories and do not contain artificial flavors or colors.
Finally, it is important to replace your toothbrush at least every three months. A worn-out toothbrush is less effective in cleaning your teeth and can increase your risk of developing cavities and gum disease. By following these tips and properly flossing your teeth, you can help to keep the dentist away and maintain good oral health.
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