Good oral hygiene is important for good general health. We learn more and more every day about the negative affects poor dental care can have on every aspect of overall health and well being. For this reason, it is very important that you not only visit your dentist regularly, but also learn to take excellent care of your own teeth. In this article, we will discuss some good oral hygiene practices.
It is important that you go to the dentist to have your teeth cleaned every six months. Having a professional cleaning helps to get rid of tarter build up and polishes your teeth so that they look their best. It can also help to spot cavities that might be hiding where you can’t see them.
Visit your dentist at least twice a year. Do it more if your situation calls for it. Receiving regular care is the only way you can prevent problems from occurring. Additionally, frequent visits will make you more comfortable with your dentist. You need to have a good relationship with a dentist when you have to take care of larger problems.
Use a non-alcohol based mouthwash, or a natural one, each day. These products will not burn like the others and will still keep bad breath away. Alcohol based mouthwashes can give you good breath for a while, but can also dry your mouth. Dry mouth ends up giving you very bad breath.
Do not hesitate to use large quantities of floss to clean your teeth. Try to get 20 inches, since that’s enough to cover the entire mouth. This will allow an ample amount to be wrapped around your fingers. Use approximately an inch of floss for each tooth.
If you notice an increase in cavities, consider taking a multivitamin. Multivitamins contain many vitamins and minerals necessary for enamel production. Enamel is the outer layer that hardens your teeth and protects them. Your diet should include a variety of sources of calcium, which is the building block of healthy teeth.
If you are having a difficult time paying for necessary dental work, consider visiting a dental college. College students in the later stages of their training need real people to work on, and they will often perform work at a significantly reduced cost. All students are supervised by their professors or certified dentists, so you remain in safe hands during your procedure.
If your gums are inflamed or red, you may have gingivitis. Gingivitis is a disease of the gums usually caused by poor dental care habits. Another symptom of gingivitis are gums that bleed easily when you brush your teeth. See your dentist as soon as possible if you notice these symptoms, as waiting will only make the situation worse.
Clearly, there is a great deal you can do to maintain your own excellent dental health. When you take the time to choose your dental hygiene products with care and use them properly it will go a long way toward helping you maintain your overall health. Remember to brush twice a day, floss daily and see your dentist at least once a year for great dental health.
Beatrice Cox is a writer and stylist with a passion for the intersection between biology, technology and design. High in Swedish Bali and Heritage, it travels around the world encouraged and informed a global perspective on the future of fashion and its relations with planetary health. She is currently working for a sustainable fashion label in Bali, Indonesia.