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Forbes Healthcare Summit
2014-12-03    
All Day
Forbes Healthcare Summit: Smart Data Transforming Lives How big will the data get? This year we may collect more data about the human body than [...]
Customer Analytics & Engagement in Health Insurance
2014-12-04 - 2014-12-05    
All Day
Using Data Analytics, Product Experience & Innovation to Build a Profitable Customer-Centric Strategy Takeaway business ROI: Drive business value with customer analytics: learn what every business [...]
mHealth Summit
DECEMBER 7-11, 2014 The mHealth Summit, the largest event of its kind, convenes a diverse international delegation to explore the limits of mobile and connected [...]
The 26th Annual IHI National Forum
Overview ​2014 marks the 26th anniversary of an event that has shaped the course of health care quality in profound, enduring ways — the Annual [...]
Why A Risk Assessment is NOT Enough
2014-12-09    
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
A common misconception is that  “A risk assessment makes me HIPAA compliant” Sadly this thought can cost your practice more than taking no action at [...]
iHT2 Health IT Summit
2014-12-10 - 2014-12-11    
All Day
Each year, the Institute hosts a series of events & programs which promote improvements in the quality, safety, and efficiency of health care through information technology [...]
Design a premium health insurance plan that engages customers, retains subscribers and understands behaviors
2014-12-16    
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Wed, Dec 17, 2014 1:00 AM - 2:00 AM IST Join our webinar with John Mills - UPMC, Tim Gilchrist - Columbia University HITLAP, and [...]
Events on 2014-12-03
Forbes Healthcare Summit
3 Dec 14
New York City
Events on 2014-12-04
Events on 2014-12-07
mHealth Summit
7 Dec 14
Washington
Events on 2014-12-09
Events on 2014-12-10
iHT2 Health IT Summit
10 Dec 14
Houston
Articles

How to Take Good Care of Your Teeth?

good care of your teeth

How to Take Good Care of Your Teeth?

Do you spend enough time caring for your teeth? Apart from brushing, there are multiple other ways in which individuals can maintain a bright smile, such as flossing, using mouthwash, keeping hydrated, avoiding tobacco, etc.

Even though all these habits require individuals to spare precious time, the outcome is worth any trouble. Nevertheless, oral hygiene habits should be performed correctly in order to provide the necessary results. One is supposed to pay close attention to the technique of brushing and flossing for his/her teeth to stay white and healthy.

The tips below will teach you how to take proper care of them.

Practice regular brushing

Brushing your teeth on a daily basis is a simple yet effective method of keeping them clean. This habit should be practiced at least twice per day in order for germ buildup to be removed. The only way to increase the efficiency of the process is by using the right brushing technique and holding the toothbrush correctly. Check out this website to see a guide to brushing your teeth the right way.

In addition, the toothbrush should be held at an angle of forty-five degrees in order for the enamel and the gums to get in touch with the bristles. The brushing process should last a minimum of two minutes, even if it means repeating the pattern more than once.

No tooth should be skipped, which is why you need to follow an identical brushing pattern every single time. The inside of the incisors should also be brushed by using the tip of the brush. For better protection against tooth decay, always look for fluoride toothpaste. Your toothbrush has to be replaced every three months to prevent decay. Once the bristles start getting damaged, the cleaning process will no longer be efficient.

Don’t forget flossing

Even though flossing is a time-consuming process, it’s the best technique to use for cleaning surfaces that cannot be cleaned with a toothbrush. Food particles and plaque tend to accumulate in the tiny space between the teeth, thus encouraging germs to increase in number in the course of the night. These areas can be cleaned with neither a toothbrush nor mouthwash, only by using floss.

The flossing technique is best practiced following the brushing process once per day. If flossing on a daily basis is demanding for you, make sure you do it three times a week. The floss you use should be forty-five centimeters long and wrapped around a finger on each hand. It’s paramount for individuals to be extremely gentle while flossing so as not to damage their gums.

good care of your teeth

Refrain from smoking and alcohol

Tobacco and alcohol are infamous for being the greatest enemies of teeth, as these substances cause staining. The longer the exposure of the enamel to these substances, the more yellow the teeth. Fortunately, there is a variety of home teeth whitening kits designed to remove tobacco, wine, and coffee stains. These kits are considered safe for users with crowns, bridges, braces, and veneers, requiring no longer than nine minutes a day to provide a bright smile.

Additionally, tobacco and alcohol are not only detrimental to the look of teeth but to the overall condition of one’s oral health. The consumption of these substances increases the risk of periodontal diseases and oral cancer. Therefore, it’s of vital importance for people to refrain from smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages as much as possible.

Use mouthwash

Mouthwash is another important product to include in your oral hygiene routine. This liquid is used for the purpose of rinsing your gums, teeth, and oral cavity. Due to the presence of antiseptic, these products are effective in eliminating oral bacteria found on the tongue and between the teeth. Individuals are suggested to rinse their mouths with mouthwash as many as two times a day for experiencing optimal results.

good care of your teeth

Practicing this habit twice per day plays a significant role in providing fresh breath, minimizing plaque, and lowering the risk of cavities. Also, this product is beneficial in the protection of gums against gingivitis. If planning to use mouthwash, never forget to consult your dentist for a recommendation, as not all products can be used by people coping with dental sensitivity.

Most people ignore the tongue while practicing their oral hygiene habits, even though the back of this organ contains the largest amount of bacteria. Therefore, you are recommended to either brush or scrape your tongue every day after brushing your teeth. Since scraping is considered more effective than brushing, make sure to purchase a tongue scraper to perform this procedure. Have a look at this URL, www.self.com/story/how-to-clean-your-tongue, to learn some tricks for cleaning your tongue.

Keep hydrated

Believe it or not, proper hydration works miracles for taking good care of your teeth. Adults are recommended to drink two liters of water per day in order to stay hydrated. Saliva is composed out of water, which is crucial in combat with bacteria. Also, the role of saliva is to aid acid neutralization and prevent tooth decay.

good care of your teeth

Furthermore, the saliva is responsible for keeping the tissues in the oral cavity moist, which in turn reduces halitosis. Dry mouth is considered one of the main causes of bad breath, thus enhancing the importance of proper hydration. Another way of promoting saliva secretion is by chewing sugar-free gums.

Steer clear of teeth grinding

In a moment of anger, stress, and anxiety, many individuals turn to grinding their teeth. The majority of them aren’t even aware they are grinding them even while sleeping. The consequences of this bad habit include damaged enamel, enhanced tooth sensitivity, and damaged cheek tissue.

Individuals coping with this issue should consult a dentist for the best possible solution. In the largest number of cases, dentists recommend using a mouth guard while sleeping, which impedes users from grinding their teeth.

The bottom line

Neglecting oral hygiene is the worst thing one can do for his/her oral health.

Invest enough time for it every single day!