Oral Care Tips

Your dental health is just as important as taking care of the rest of your body. Brushing, flossing, and knowing when to go to the dentist are the main factors in proper dental care. Below are some tips on how to maximize your dental health.

Daily teeth brushing is the main way to maintain your dental health. Here are some tips for good brushing habits.

• Brush your teeth twice a day at least. Take your time; good brushing should take two minutes. Brushing after eating a meal is the best practice. This is important.
• Use proper hygiene products. A tooth brush with soft bristles and a tooth paste that has fluoride are recommended. Electric tooth brushes are another option that makes brushing easier.
• Brush properly. Use a small, circular motion. Be gentle, and be sure to cover all surfaces of your teeth and gums. This includes the backs of your molars and the inside surfaces as well. Brushing your tongue will help prevent bad breath as well.
• Keep your brush clean. Wash your tooth brush with water before and after brushing. Keep your tooth brush in a drawer or cupboard, not in the open air. This will prevent dust and bacteria from getting on it. But also make sure that the toothbrush is not too tightly confined. Placing your tooth brush in the microwave for a few seconds will kill any bacteria on the brush.
• Replace your tooth brush often. You should replace your tooth brush every three months or when the bristles are worn or frayed. Make sure to buy a quality brand from a reputable store.
Flossing is another important aspect of good dental hygiene. Below are some tips for successful flossing.
• Use disposable flossers. Disposable flossers are a great improvement in flossing technology. They allow you to floss with one hand and free you from having to wrap floss around your fingers. They also usually contain a dental pick as well. This can be handy to dislodge trapped food particles such as corn kernels and other clingy foods.
• One at a time. Take your time and floss between each tooth. Scrape from the gum line up to the top of the tooth, scraping as you move up the tooth.
When do you need to go to the dentist?

Regular dental visits are important to maintaining proper dental hygiene. One or two visit a year is ideal. Additionally, if you notice any of the following symptoms between visits , contact your dentist:

• Gums that are swollen, tender, or red
• Bleeding gums
• Receding gums
• Loose teeth
• Alignment changes in teeth
• Sensitivity to hot and cold

Following these oral care tips will help to maintain proper dental hygiene and give you long lasting use of your teeth. Follow the flossing and brushing tips daily and take your time. Continued use of these tip is critical to their success. Spend the extra time on your teeth and they will thank you.