You might have grown up with a soft-bristled toothbrush. As a result, you might think that it is an adequate tool for fighting plaque and tartar in your mouth. However, the battery-powered brushes that agitate against your teeth today are a much more powerful tool against the buildup that can develop.
If you are worried about getting work done on your teeth, speak to the dentist prior to your appointment. This will give him or her a heads up on how you are feeling, and they can figure out how to best reassure you. Try to be specific about exactly what it is that you don’t like about the process.
After brushing your teeth, you should always remember to rinse your toothbrush out with water. When storing your brush, try to find a storage container that will allow your brush to stay upright and air dry. If you place your wet brush into a container with a lid, bacteria has an easier time to grow.
When you are brushing your teeth, make sure that you get all of the toothpaste out of your mouth by rinsing properly. Leaving toothpaste on your teeth can cause buildup, which can negatively affect the health of your mouth. After you are done, give your mouth a good rinse three times with a cup of water.
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.
Do not let unknown discomfort go unattended. There are various reasons you may feel discomfort in your teeth or jaw. You could be experiencing the cutting of a wisdom tooth or you may have developed an infection. Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to avoid further complications. It is better to know it is minor, than to ignore it until it is major.
Only use mouthwash free of alcohol. Alcohol as an ingredient can dry out the tissues in your mouth. This creates a breeding ground for the very bacteria you are hoping to avoid. Alcohol-free mouthwash is also less of a temptation for kids and teenagers looking to experiment with when bored.
If you wish to hire a good dentist, ask your family and friends beforehand. Asking other patients about a dentist’s chair-side manner, level of training, and professional style is a good start when seeking just the right dentist. You can also learn about the fees that they charge and how they compare to other dentists in the area, which can be extremely helpful when you are trying to find a dentist of your own.
After you’ve completely brushed your teeth, brush your tongue too. All sorts of built-up gunk can develop on your tongue, and this can cause everything from bad breath to gum disease. A clean mouth means every surface, so brush your teeth and tongue and then floss for the best hygiene.
If you require a filling in one or more of your teeth, choose wisely. Tooth-colored composite fillings are an attractive, discrete option. However, this type of filling also happens to be less durable than most metal fillings. Metal fillings are also a better option for larger areas. Remember, looks aren’t everything!
Find a good health insurance with dental protection. The best plans will cover all your visits to the dentist, including two check-ups a year to get your teeth cleaned and inspected. If you can afford to, get a comprehensive policy for your entire family. Talk to your employer about benefits too.
Calcium plays a huge role in tooth strength, so make sure you’re getting at least 500mg per day. If you’re not eating a lot of dairies, nuts or calcium-rich vegetables, take a supplement instead. This is the best way to avoid enamel problems or cavities down the road, so take it seriously.
Try to remember to drink water every time you get thirsty instead of reaching for a soda. The more often you choose water over soda, the more often you are deciding to protect your enamel instead of wear it down. This also applies to other sugary beverages like sweetened teas and fruit juices.
Try different flosses and flossing methods to find the right one for you. Flossing is not something that people love to do, but it’s important to make it into a habit. If regular floss is hard to use on your teeth, try the wax-coated variety or move to a dental stick. There’s bound to be a variety that works best for you.
As was stated at the start of this article, it is not enough just to use the simple soft-bristled toothbrush that you used growing up. The agitation that comes from a battery-powered brush does a much more effective job at combating all of the buildup that can grow in your mouth over time. Your dentist will thank you.
