Proper dental care is essential to maintaining a healthy mouth and teeth. Yet, many people find brushing their teeth difficult or inconvenient. In order to help you better understand the importance of oral health, we’ve compiled a list of 10 important tips that will teach you how to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

 

1. Brush twice a day – it should take about 2 minutes, five days a week
2. Floss once a day – flossing removes food particles from between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach
3. Use fluoride-containing toothpaste – fluoride helps protect against cavities by making the enamel stronger and more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria
4. Drink water – one way to tell if you are drinking enough water is if your urine is clear or light yellow in color
5. Drink fruit juice or lemonade as an alternative to soda or fruit punch – too much sugar can cause cavities and affect your overall health

Why Oral Care is Important

Maintaining proper oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do for your general health. When your teeth and gums are healthy, they will look nicer and you’ll be less prone to developing cavities and gum disease.

 

1. Healthy teeth look great
2. Reduces risk of getting cavities
3. Prevents gum disease
4. Reduces risk of heart disease

How to Brush Your Teeth

1. Start by brushing your tongue, since bacteria can easily collect on it
2. Next, brush the surfaces of your teeth with circular motions – try to cover all tooth surfaces
3. You should brush one tooth at a time, making sure that you use enough toothpaste to cover the outside surfaces of the bristles
4. When brushing your back teeth, make sure to hold the brush vertically and apply gentle pressure
5. Rinse well after washing your mouth – this helps remove leftover food particles which may remain in your mouth

Flossing Your Teeth

Flossing is an important part of maintaining oral health. The act of flossing removes food particles from between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. It also helps scrape away plaque, the sticky film that builds up on the teeth and contains bacteria, which can cause cavities and gingivitis.

 

1. Brushing your teeth without flossing will not remove all plaque located in hard-to-reach areas between teeth
2. Flossing your teeth every day will prevent gum disease and tooth decay
3. Most people find flossing easier with an electric brush (and vice versa)
4. To gain better dexterity with your hands, try using a pre-threaded floss dispenser
5. Certain types of dental tape are coated with an anti-bacterial agent to help prevent infection
6. If you prefer not to use dental tape, you can use fluoride tablets instead

Fluoride and Toothpaste

Fluoride and toothpaste are two of the most important ways to protect your teeth and gums. Fluoride helps protect against cavities by making the enamel stronger and more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria. Toothpaste should contain at least 1,000 ppm (parts per million) of fluoride. Additionally, you should choose a toothpaste with ingredients like calcium, phosphorous, and silicon because these ingredients also help strengthen teeth.

 

7. Teeth Whitening – whitening toothpastes can be used to lighten stained teeth for a temporary fix
8. Invest in dental insurance – it will help save money down the line on costly dental treatments
9. Brush your tongue – this removes bacteria that is located on the back of your tongue that can often cause bad breath
10. Be sure to see your dentist every six months – regular visits to the dentist will prevent any serious dental problems down the line

Water and Oral Health

Drinking water is essential to maintain good oral health, but you might be wondering how. Water helps kill plaque-forming bacteria in your mouth by breaking down these harmful cells. The cells are broken down because they cannot survive in the presence of water, so if you would like to keep your teeth healthy and strong, drink plenty of water each day.

What Not to Do

The following are a few things not to do in order to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

1. Don’t smoke – smoking can lead to gum disease, premature aging of the mouth tissue, and increased risk of developing oral cancer
2. Don’t swap spit – kissing someone who has an active cold or an open sore can increase your risk for developing cold sores or other infections
3. Avoid very hot drinks and foods – hot food and drink temperature will destroy protective layers of enamel on your teeth
4. Drink less soda and fruit punch – both beverages contain large amounts of sugar and can contribute to tooth decay

Conclusion

Oral care is an important part of your overall health and wellness. By following these simple tips and tricks, you will be able to keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong!

The first thing to do is to brush your teeth twice a day, morning and night. Make sure to brush the gum line as well as the teeth. You will want to use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Toothpaste is important too. Use a toothpaste that has fluoride. Don’t forget to floss after brushing and rinse with water.

Don’t smoke or use tobacco products, don’t drink too much alcohol and don’t sleep with a bottle of water or other drink near your bed. Keep up with your dental checkups and cleanings and seek out professional help if you notice any changes in your mouth like pain, swelling, discoloration or loose teeth.