Home / Health / TAKING CARE OF TEETH

TAKING CARE OF TEETH

Just brushing teeth every day is not enough for taking care of teeth and many additional efforts are required to be undertaken. Oral health regime is now considered a vast subject and multiple practices are now adhered to in this respect.

Of course brushing teeth twice a day for two minutes each time should be the cornerstone of daily dental routine. For best results, replacing toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles look frayed, is recommended. It is recommended to choose a soft-bristled brush as medium and hard bristles can actually damage gums, root surface and tooth enamel if brushed too vigorously. It is a matter of preference whether one opts for manual or electric it is pointed out that there is not a significant difference between electric and manual toothbrushes in their ability to remove plaque and prevent gum disease.

Don’t over brush

In this context it is important to brush teeth twice a day but it is equally important not to overdo it. Over brushing or vigorous brushing can wear down enamel and cause gums to recede, leading to periodontal disease. It is not needed to brush hard to remove plaque as plaque is so soft that it could be easily removed. After finishing brushing teeth, one should gently brush one’s tongue to remove bacteria. It’s also a good way to freshen up breath.

Flossing once a day should be part of daily dental routine as it removes plaque and bacteria that cannot be reached by brushing alone. It is actually better to floss first, and then brush teeth. The gums may bleed at first, if one is not in the habit of flossing but this should stop after a few days. The effectiveness of fluoride in toothpaste has been tested and proven since 1945. Currently, fluoride toothpastes make up more than 95% of all toothpaste sales. There is an unlikely possibility that fluoride increases the chances of developing oral cancer.

Routine check-ups are important to maintain good oral hygiene.

Depending on the state of teeth; one will likely need one or two check-ups a year. The dentist will also occasionally take dental X-rays to spot any issues that cannot be seen by a visual examination.

Sugar, in all its forms— molasses, glucose, fructose—is one of the main causes of dental problems as it feeds the bacteria that cause plaque which in turn breaks down the enamel on your teeth and leads to decay.

Check Also

Finland to start bird flu vaccinations for humans

Finland plans to offer preemptive bird flu vaccination as soon as next week to some …