The Essentials of Dental Health

Healthy teeth mean a beautiful smile, painless eating, and neutral-smelling breath. What can you do to make sure that your teeth are healthy? Below are five crucial habits you should implement in your day-to-day life to help ensure your teeth stay healthy. You use  your mouth every day, and your smile is often the first impression people have of you.  That’s why you shouldn’t neglect taking care of them.

1- Use Fluoride

Fluoride is very important for the longevity and strength of your teeth. Fluoride can sometimes be present in tap water, but oftentimes it is not. Thus, it is best to use a fluoride-containing toothpaste. Fluoride is an ingredient that prevents your teeth from decaying by helping with the mineralization process. There are also fluoridated mouthwashes you can use if for some reason you don’t want or can’t find a fluoridated toothpaste.

2- Use a clean toothbrush

It’s very important to clean your toothbrush regularly. Make sure that you rinse your toothbrush every time after using it and dry it afterwards. You should also pay attention to how you store your toothbrush. It’s important to keep the head of the toothbrush covered so that it doesn’t get contaminated by bacteria or viruses in the air. Replace your toothbrush regularly every three months. No matter what, do not keep your toothbrush in an exposed area, such as a counter, or it could contaminate the brush with bacteria.

3- Brush after meals

Make it habitual to brush your teeth after every meal. This will ensure you are brushing your teeth at least twice daily. When brushing, be sure to pay attention to every tooth and make sure that the brush reaches every area of the tooth. The food you consume can leave particles in your teeth which can later cause your tooth to decay. This is why brushing your teeth after meals can remove those particles and maintain your teeth. In terms of how long you should brush, it is recommended you spend at least three minutes.

4- Brush your tongue

Brushing your teeth is not the only thing you should do with your toothbrush. You should also scrub your tongue on a regular basis. The food you eat may also get collected on your tongue and form bacteria. Brushing your tongue can get rid of extra food particles left by the food you’ve eaten. This is why you always brush your tongue when you brush your teeth. As an added bonus, scrubbing the tongue can also help prevent bad breath and prevent oral infections.

5- Schedule regular appointments with a dentist

According to Dr. Lerud at Peak Family Dental Care, regular dentist visits are key to good dental health. A good dentist can help you address issues early. Early treatment means lower costs than if you waited for a minor issue to develop into a major one. You should aim to have a dental checkup every six months.