Introduction
Your mouth is one of the most important parts of your body. It’s where you chew food, speak and laugh–and it’s also where many diseases originate. If you take care of your teeth and mouth, you’ll have healthier teeth and less chance of bad breath, gum disease, tooth decay and tooth loss. Here are some tips on how to keep them healthy:
Brush at least twice a day (morning and before bed).
Brush your teeth at least twice a day. You should brush your teeth for two minutes each time, but not longer than three minutes. The first 30 seconds of the brushing process is the most important part because it removes plaque from the surface of your teeth and helps prevent cavities from forming in between them. If you can’t brush every day, try to do it at least once every other day.
Brush only around the outside of each tooth for about 45 seconds then move inward towards the gum line until you reach as far as possible without touching any part of your tongue or cheek surfaces (the latter includes lips).
- Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Don’t use a brush with hard bristles, or one that is too soft.
- If you have sensitive teeth or gums, avoid using regular toothpastes containing peroxide or abrasives like baking soda because they can damage your enamel (the outer layer of the tooth).
Replace your toothbrush every three or four months.
Replacing your toothbrush every three or four months is a good idea, because the bristles on your toothbrush wear down over time. You can tell when it’s time to replace it by looking at the bristles. If they’re frayed and bent, you should probably put an end to them by buying a new one!
When buying a new one, make sure that whatever kind of brush you choose will fit comfortably in your mouth (and not fall out). Some good options include: plastic/non-organic bamboo; electric/manual rotary; manual electric rotary; combined manual/electric rotary (great for people who want both). There are also some styles that come with built-in timers so you don’t have to worry about keeping track of how long each session lasts—these are great if money is tight but still want better oral hygiene overall!
Floss daily.
Flossing is an important part of taking care of your teeth and mouth. It helps to remove plaque from between your teeth, which can lead to bad breath and gum disease.
Flossing sticks are available in most drugstores, but you can also use dental floss (thin string) or a tongue scraper if you don’t have access to flossing tools.
To floss: Use a short piece of dental floss gently unwind the string at one end so that it forms an “L” shape with the ends overlapping slightly; then gently work it between each tooth starting at one side until all area between teeth have been cleared out
Rinse with antiseptic mouthwash daily.
The first thing you should do to take care of your teeth and mouth is to rinse with antiseptic mouthwash daily.
- Use a fluoride-based product such as Colgate Total or Scope, which kills bacteria in the mouth that can cause bad breath, plaque buildup and gum disease.
- Choose an alcohol-free option if you want to prevent dryness or irritation. Alcohol can evaporate from the surface of your lips and teeth over time; it also strips away some minerals from tooth enamel (making them more prone to cavities), so be sure not to use any type of alcohol-based product on your pearly whites!
Clean your tongue daily.
- Use a tongue scraper. The tongue is very muscular, so it can be difficult to get all of the gunk off of your tongue. A good way to do this is by using something like an oral irrigator or water picker (a small plastic device with holes that you put in your mouth).
- Use a toothbrush and toothpaste. If you don’t have any special equipment for brushing your teeth, just use an ordinary soft-bristled toothbrush with baking soda on one end and hydrogen peroxide on the other—this gives off a mild foaming action that helps clear out plaque buildup in between teeth without being too harsh on sensitive gums or gingivitis-prone areas around them.*
Don’t smoke or use chewing tobacco.
Smoking and chewing tobacco are bad for your teeth. Smoking causes gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss. Chewing tobacco also causes tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss. Even smokeless tobacco has been shown to cause dental problems like tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss.
If you take care of your teeth and mouth, you’ll have healthier teeth and less chance of bad breath, gum disease, tooth decay and tooth loss. The best way to keep them healthy is by doing regular brushing and flossing as well as visiting the dentist every six months for a checkup.
If you don’t brush for long enough each day or don’t use fluoride rinse when washing your mouth out after eating (this is especially important if eating sugary foods), then plaque can build up on the surface of your teeth which causes tartar—the white buildup that looks like plaque but doesn’t cause any health problems yet still needs removal by a dentist in order for all those bacteria present within it not only survive but thrive as well!
Conclusion
You can take care of your teeth and mouth. If you follow the tips above, you’ll have a brighter smile and mouth that will be less prone to infection as well as pain and discomfort.
