Many people out there think that they only have to be responsible for their own teeth. While this is true for many, there are others that need to make sure that their children’s teeth stay in good condition. Here are several tips that will make it easier for you to teach your child proper dental habits.
If you have questions for your dentist, write them down and bring them to your appointment. Once your cleaning and exam begin, it is hard to get a word in edgewise, especially with picks, pokers and mirrors in your mouth! Speak up beforehand, and a dental hygienist can answer your questions before your mouth is too full, or too sore to ask afterwards.
Try a different toothpaste if you experience sensitivity. Let your dentist know you are experiencing sensitivity. If your teeth are being aggravated by something aside from your toothpaste, your dentist should be able to let you know.
You should generally brush your teeth 2 times a day, but more often, if necessary. After consuming foods and beverages that contain high sugar levels, you can brush your teeth to prevent enamel wear and tooth decay.
Brush your teeth twice a day to prevent tooth decay. When you brush, make sure to massage the gums with your toothbrush and to keep brushing for at least two minutes. Dentists recommend two minutes as a minimum amount of time to brush if you want health teeth and gums.
One of the things that you will need to make sure to do when you are taking care of your teeth is to floss. This is very important as it will help to get rid of the excess food between your teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach. This will lead to better overall health.
In addition to healthy gums and teeth, it is also important to have a healthy tongue. When you brush your teeth, brush your tongue with a tongue scraper. These inexpensive dental tools will allow you to remove excess bacteria from your tongue. If you don’t know where to get one of these tools, simply take your toothbrush to your tongue.
Sometimes brushing and flossing is not enough. If you are still having trouble with plaque, go to the store and look for an antimicrobial mouth rinse to help you. Use it according to the directions on the package to help finish off your dental care routine. You should notice an improvement.
If you know you won’t be able to brush your teeth after a meal, try and eat foods that can act as temporary substitutes. Things like apples and celery are good for you and will act as gentle abrasion tools as you chew, cleaning the surfaces and even reaching between teeth to remove particles of food.
Drink three glasses of milk a day for a healthy smile. Milk is high in calcium, which your teeth need, and it can also help to keep your teeth white. If you want to have the brightest, healthiest smile around you will be sure to drink your three eight ounce servings of milk every single day.
Are you fond of chewing ice? If so, stop it immediately. Ice can crack and chip teeth and cause sensitive reactions to the cold. As an alternative, try chewing a minty sugarless gum. When you are trying to wean yourself of the habit, get your soft drinks with no ice.
Brush your teeth after each meal. Brush for no less than two minutes. Brushing your teeth on this schedule is a great way to prevent future problems, such as tooth decay and gingivitis. What’s more, a toothbrush and toothpaste are both very cheap, while having cavities filled and root canals done can add up fast.
To keep your teeth as clean as possible, pay attention to the way you brush. Many people only brush from side to side, which does not help remove debris from the gums. Instead, use circular motions and hold your brush at a 45-degree angle as you move along the gum line.
It’s best to buy a toothbrush which has soft or medium bristles and a small head. This ensures you can get it into all the crevices and beneath your gums to get out all the gunk which is left behind during the day and night. Brush gently but firmly each time.
If you are extremely anxious or fearful about going to the dentist, consider finding a sedation dentist. These specialists use inhaled nitrous oxide, oral Valium and intravenous medication to help patients relax and avoid pain. Nitrous oxide is a popular option because it doesn’t involve the use of a needle and it wears off within five minutes.
Teaching your child how to take care of their teeth is not as difficult as it might sound. While they may forget sometimes, it is up to you to remind them. Children lead by example, so you have to keep your teeth in tip-top shape if you want to show them how it is done.
