Your teeth are critical to keeping your body healthy. A healthy mouth is important. You use it throughout the day to do multiple things, including eat, smile, and speak, among other things. If your teeth aren’t healthy, that can all be affected. An unhealthy mouth is a negative impact on your lifestyle.
In order to take the best care of your teeth, you need to be disciplined. Taking care of your mouth, teeth, and gums can give you pleasant breath, a nice smile, and fewer cavities. Here are 5 keys to keeping your teeth happy and healthy.
Key #1 – Toothbrushes
You have a toothbrush that you enjoy using. However, it’s important to make sure that you’re using one with softest bristles. This will help clean your teeth effectively without eroding your tooth enamel. When you’re using your toothbrush, be sure to brush gently in an up and down motion. After all, the best effect for your teeth is not how hard you brush, but how effectively you reach all the areas of your teeth.
Additionally, you need to make sure that you brush for a minimum of two minutes, one minute on top and one minute on the bottom. This gives you enough time to reach all of your teeth effectively. It’s also important to brush at least two times every day. Many individuals find it easy to add to their morning and bedtime routines.
Key # 2 – Flossing
One of the benefits of flossing is the removal of the thin layer of plaque that often accumulates between teeth. Toothbrush bristles can’t reach this area. By flossing daily, you can remove that bacteria, while also reducing your risk of gum disease. Water pics can be an effective way to floss, especially if you have sensitive gums.
Key #3 – Whitening
While most of us want a white and bright smile, using whitening products daily can make your teeth and gums sensitive. Therefore, you want to use whitening toothpaste a few times a week, but alternate it with a non-whitening toothpaste. Additionally, before you have any major dental work, including permanent tooth replacement or a root canal, it’s important to hold off on whitening, as it can increase your teeth and gums’ sensitivity.
Key #4 – Regular Dental Visits
To keep your smile bright and healthy, it’s important to have regular dental visits every six months. Doing so can help to catch cavities before they become painful and expensive problems.
Key #5 – Treat Your Teeth Well
Finally, it’s important to use soft style picks to get food out of your teeth, as hard picks could potentially injure your gums. Always avoid the old-fashioned, wood-style toothpicks. Furthermore, remember that your teeth aren’t made to open things or to bite your nails. Doing so could potentially damage your teeth or cause serious injury to your gums.
Your teeth and gum health are important to your overall health. If you have recently moved into the Fallbrook, California, area and are looking for a dentist, then contact our dental practice for general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. Our staff can help you maintain the overall health of your teeth for many years to come.
Gernot Winkler, DDS, is dedicated to serving clients with general and family, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. Located in Fallbrook, Dr. Winkler sees patients throughout San Diego County including neighboring cities such as Fallbrook, Bonsall, Rainbow, and Temecula.