Having a healthy smile is essential to having a healthy and happy life. Caring for your teeth and overall oral health is a lifelong routine which you must follow closely to keep your teeth and mouth in tip top condition.
Brushing your teeth isn’t the only thing you need to do to keep your pearly whites healthy. Here are a few of the most important things you need to know to keep your teeth white and clean.
Brush Correctly
You should learn the correct technique for brushing your teeth – you may be surprised to find you’re doing it wrong! You should brush your teeth in a circular motion for around 2 minutes. It might help to have a timer at the sink, especially for children.
It is crucial to brush firmly but not too hard. Your gums are a sensitive part of your mouth, and harsh brushing can cause damage and erode the gums. Make sure you get every area of your teeth, including the very back molars and sides.
The most important time to brush your teeth is at night, just before you go to bed. The other time you brush your teeth can be any time during the day, though generally in the morning is better.
Use A Good Quality Toothbrush And Toothpaste
Look for a toothbrush with a mix of long and short bristles. The bristles should be soft to medium – steer clear of anything with stiff bristles. You should replace your toothbrush at least every four months, but you can replace more often if you wish.
The toothpaste you use should be one with fluoride. Fluoride helps to protect your teeth against decay, so this is a significant benefit. If you have younger children, you should use toothpaste designed for children which will have less fluoride contained in it.
The Benefits Of Home Teeth Whitening
Whitening your teeth doesn’t have to be done at the dentist’s practice. You can whiten your teeth at home without breaking the bank or compromising on quality.
Try using 3D Whitestrips to whiten your teeth at home. Crest Whitestrips from EuroWhite can help restore the natural whiteness of your teeth, particularly if you are a keen coffee drinker or a smoker. You should always choose the best when it comes to your dental hygiene, and you can do no better for teeth whitening than Crest Whitening Strips.
The aesthetic results of teeth whitening are excellent. Using the right tooth whitening products can benefit your dental hygiene and boost your confidence.
Remember To Floss
Flossing is a vital part of any dental care routine. It can remove food and plaque that toothbrushes can’t reach and plays an integral role in preventing gum disease.
You should use dental floss before you brush your teeth, and insert the floss between each tooth. You should then stroke the floss up and down around ten times. Again it is essential not to be too harsh when doing this in order to protect your gums.
Use Mouthwash
Mouthwash is often an underrated part of the dental hygiene routine. Not only does it fight bad breath, but it also protects against decay and counters any harmful bacteria which can linger between the teeth.
It is usually best to use mouthwash after flossing and brushing your teeth. You can use mouthwash at any point throughout the day. It can also help whiten your teeth – though it won’t have the same impact as a whitening treatment.
Eat Healthily – And Drink Plenty Of Water
A vital part of having good dental health is eating healthily and staying hydrated. The best way to keep your teeth healthy is to maintain a balanced diet. Anything unhealthy or overly sugary can increase the chances of tooth decay, so try to keep any junk food to a minimum.
It is important to wait a while before cleaning your teeth after eating anything acidic or sugary. This is because these kinds of foods loosen the enamel of your teeth. So if you brush straight afterwards, you can end up doing damage to the enamel.
Go To The Dentist
It would be best if you aimed to go to the dentist at least once every six months. There are multiple reasons to go to the dentist regularly – not just if you’re having pain or dental problems.
Your dentist will be able to spot, treat and help prevent any potential issues with your oral and dental health. They have the knowledge and expertise needed to identify any problems before they become more serious.
Your dentists will also provide you with advice and information tailored specifically to you so that you can have the peace of mind of knowing that your teeth are in the best possible condition.
Clean Your Tongue
This one might sound a bit odd, but your tongue is one of the main culprits for bad breath. You can use a small amount of toothpaste on your toothbrush or a run a piece of floss over the length of your tongue. Again it is essential to be firm but gentle as your tongue is a very sensitive part of your mouth.
You can also get specifically designed tools to help you clean your tongue, like a tongue scraper. Try a few out and see what you prefer, but it’s important not to neglect this vital part of dental hygiene.
Conclusion
Good oral and dental hygiene is vital to a healthy smile. Not only this but the aesthetics of a well cared for smile speak for themselves. If your teeth are healthy, it’s an excellent indicator of your overall health.
A good dental care routine is quick and easy to maintain once you have all of the tools you need. Making dental care a habit morning and night is vital to keeping your teeth healthy for years to come. So, if any of the above suggestions aren’t already on your dental hygiene list, then it’s vital to add them on as soon as possible.
