https://www.eielson.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2085293/dental-flight-educates-kids-for-national-childrens-dental-health-month/ -Horn Monaghan
Taking care of your mouth is quite important. Your teeth will not last forever if they aren't looked after and your dental health can affect other areas of your body. For this reason, it is crucial you take proper care of your mouth.
Dental Hygienist that follows explains what you should do for optimal dental health.
Choose a good toothbrush. It should be soft enough not to damage your gums. If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, you may need a softer toothbrush. Bacteria can grow quickly, so replace your toothbrush monthly.
Don't assume that all dental floss is the same. There are mint flavored dental flosses. These make flossing a little less unpleasant and help with your breath too. If you have a hard time reaching behind certain teeth, get a bag of plastic flossers that are small handles already strung with floss.
Eat fresh fruit rather than dried fruit to protect your teeth's health. Dried fruit sticks to your teeth, exposing them to more sugar and leading to more cavities. If you must eat dried fruit, make sure to brush, floss and rinse as soon as possible after eating so that you reduce the risk of cavities.
To keep your teeth healthy and free of cavities you should avoid drinking flavored fruit juices. Fruit juices contain tons of cavity-causing sugars. In fact, although fruit juices sound as if they are good for you, in reality, they have just as much sugar as soda pop. Drink water instead.
If you are deathly afraid of spending time in the dentist's chair, you might be tempted to skip cleanings or procedures altogether. This is a bad idea, especially since poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease or even diabetes. Consider sedation dentistry, in which the patient is not awake during the appointment. Furthermore, some dentists will prescribe sedatives prior to the appointment. If you use either option, you must have someone who can drive you to and from the appointment.
If you are a smoker, you need to stop smoking for a healthy mouth. Smoking has been linked to oral cancer, tooth discoloration, bad breath and tooth decay. The best thing that you can do for the health of your mouth is to quit smoking. Not only will your mouth thank you, but you body will as well.
Floss, floss, floss! Sure everyone brushes their teeth like they're supposed to, but how many of them actually floss. Flossing cleans the area between your teeth where food can get stuck and bacteria can spread. This will also prevent the onset of possible infections that can occur if you don't floss.
When you brush your teeth can be just as important as how often you brush your teeth. Although most dentists recommend brushing twice a day, it is important to make one of those brushings before you go to sleep at night. The production of saliva is much slower during sleep, and less saliva can allow damaging bacteria to grow.
Get a dental checkup ahead of your six month appointment if you are going abroad for more than a week or two. It is good to have a professional look over your mouth and teeth and make sure that you are not going to have any surprise issues while overseas.
Find a good health insurance with dental protection. The best plans will cover all your visits to the dentist, including two check-ups a year to get your teeth cleaned and inspected. If you can afford to, get a comprehensive policy for your entire family. Talk to your employer about benefits too.
If your dentist recommends orthodontics, you should seriously consider it. Getting your teeth straightened is often more than a cosmetic issue; incorrect alignment of the teeth or jawbone can cause serious dental health problems later on. Although children most often wear braces, adults can benefit from orthodontic treatment as well.
If you're a smoker, it's time to quit for your dental care! Smoking is one of the worst things that you can do for the health of your mouth. Not only does it stain teeth and hurt your gums, it also puts you in jeopardy of oral cancer. You owe it to yourself to quit.
When flossing, don't be skimpy on the amount of floss you use. Use a piece around eighteen inches in length. When you use too little floss, you'll often lose your grip on the floss itself. Then it becomes an aggravating experience that you aren't likely to make into a habit.
Brush your teeth with baking soda at least once a week. Baking soda is a natural cleanser that will leave your mouth clean and your teeth whiter. Baking soda is a great non abrasive way to get whiter teeth. It is also cheaper than other whitening methods out there.
If you are diabetic, good oral care is particularly important. Excess sugar in the saliva promotes bacterial growth. Diabetics also have a sluggish blood flow and a reduced ability to fight infection. This combination can lead to infections of the gum tissue and bone. See your dentist every year and practice good oral hygiene.
Is there a certain kind of toothpaste that you use? Check its label to see if it has fluoride. Fluoride helps prevent your teeth from decaying. If you don't know which toothpaste to choose, talk to your dentist.
When it comes to proper dental care, there really is no substitute for making and keeping regular appointments with the dentist. Receiving thorough cleanings and exams is always the best way to be proactive about dental health, identify problems before they escalate and ensure skilled, professional treatment if issues do ever arise.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Choose a brush that is comfortable for your mouth, and stick to a routine. Brush your teeth no less than twice a day. The best time to brush is right after meals. The morning, when you first get up and before bed at night, are also good times.
If you want pearly white teeth, avoid drinks that can stain your teeth such as black tea, red wine, coffee, dark juices and colas. If you need your cup of coffee or wine, make sure you brush your teeth immediately after drinking to minimize the stains. Also, use a bleaching agent whenever possible.
Your teeth are not the only thing you need to take care of for overall health, but if they do not look good, you do not look good. With proper care, your teeth can look good throughout your life. Treat them well and you'll look younger than your years. Be proud of your pearly whites.