Dentists have seen an alarming amount of cavities and gum disease over the last year. To help you improve your oral health and reduce the time you spend in the dentist chair, not to mention save to thousands of dollars, I want to share some basics dental health duties everyone should follow. All too often when patience come into my office I hear the following, I’m too tired to brush my teeth? I am way too busy to floss?
We are all tempted to skip these daily chores, because we are busy. Next time though remember your smile depends on these simple dental care habits. A beautiful healthy smile is found in the basics. Brushing and flossing on a daily basis will prevent nearly every dental health problem. Make it a habit.
When you feel like not doing it just imagine sitting in the Dental Handpiece four a hour. You are doing yourself a favor by having healthy teeth. Make the time to do it. Do not go to sleep until you have cleaned your teeth. Besides your routine maintenance makes sure you are seeing your Salt Lake Dentist very six months. Lets go over these essential tasks in more detail.
This may be very basic but trust me you need to hear it.
Brushing
Oral health always starts with clean teeth. The American Dental Association lays out the following instructions for healthy brushing:
* Twice a day. Brush right after meals whenever possible. Be sure to brush every surface of your teeth. Try to brush for at least 60 seconds.
* Proper Equipment. Use a fluoride toothpaste and buy soft-bristled toothbrush. I love the new electric or battery-operated toothbrush. Consider a restorative mouth wash if you have had trouble with your dental health in the past.
* Proper technique. With your toothbrush at a slight angle against your teeth brush in short back-and-forth motions. Remember to brush the top and inside’s of your teeth as well as your tongue. Don’t apply to much pressure that it irritates your gums.
* Replace. Invest in a new toothbrush or a replacement head every three to four months. If the brushels are frayed it is time for a new brush.
Flossing
Your brush does not reach the tight spaces between your teeth. That’s why daily flossing is important. This is where most people with dental health issues drop the ball. Here are 3 Flossing Tips that will protect your teeth.
* Length. Break off 18 inches of dental floss. Wind the floss around middle finger of each hand. Leave a gap of around 1 inch to floss a tooth. You may want to use the small floss sticks available at most grocery stores. That is my preferred method. Be sure to the floss is strong and wont splinter while you are flossing.
* Tooth by Tooth. With your thumbs and forefingers pull gently on the the floss moving it from the gumline to the top of the tooth. Scrape off plaque. Next rub the floss against all sides of the tooth from different angles. Be sure to unwind the floss as you progress to the next tooth. You don’t want to just transfer the food from tooth to tooth. This will also keep the flossing from breaking and getting stuck in your teeth. If you have trouble getting floss through your teeth, try the waxed variety.