Proper dental hygiene is the surest way to ensure you don’t develop cavities, produce bad breath, or even have teeth discolouration. This involves brushing, flossing, routine dental checkups and also eating healthy foods.
Here’s how to care for your teeth and gums.
Brush two times daily using fluoride toothpaste
Brushing is essential, and shouldn’t be rushed or skipped. Experts recommend that you brush for a minimum of two minutes to ensure that every tooth is well cleaned.
After about three months, you should make a point of replacing your toothbrush, because then, the bristle starts to get worn out and won’t be as effective in cleaning. This also applies to those who use electric brushes (the head should be changed after three months of use).
Start brushing your baby immediately their baby teeth begins to show because they too are vulnerable to cavities. Besides, this serves as a training process, as they’ll grow knowing they need to take care of their teeth.
Routine checkups
You shouldn’t wait until you feel pain or spot signs of problems with your teeth before you can consider going to a family dentist in Prince George. You should make a point of visiting the dentist at least bi-annually. This way, you can protect your teeth from damage, as well as to identify any potential problems that could be forming.
Floss daily
When you floss your teeth, you get rid of plaque, food particles and any bacteria build-ups in between the teeth. In case you experience some bleeding while you floss, don’t fret, that should stop after a few days.
Experts recommend flossing before brushing because it scrapes the sides of the teeth, allowing the fluoride to go in and strengthen the enamel in between.
The floss should be about 46cms long; to provide enough room for wrapping it around two fingers of different hands, and also slide in between the teeth.
Use Mouthwash
Mouthwash will not only kill bacteria, but it also will help you control the bad breath. You can either use a salt solution that you make at home or buy a commercially prepared one. Then swish it around in your mouth for two or more minutes.
Clean your tongue
The best way to clean your tongue is by using a tongue scraper, which is often at the back of a toothbrush. By doing this, you remove bacteria and food particles that settle on the surface of the tongue. Scrape gently starting from the inner parts of the tongue going towards your lips. Then rinse your mouth and spit the bacteria and build-up.
Avoid smoking
Dental professionals, including family dentist in Prince George advice against smoking, as it increases the risk of gum disease, mouth cancers, teeth stains and bad breaths. It also reduces the flow of saliva, which encourages the growth of bacteria.
Limit sugar consumption
When sugar is broken down by the bacteria and saliva in your mouth, it forms acids, which then dissolves the teeth’s enamel. Avoid sugary coffee, tea, sodas, breakfast cereals and desserts like ice cream, biscuits, pastries, sticky sweets, and chocolate. Better yet, brush once you finish eating them.