Easy guide to take care of your Dental Ritual

dental check up

A lifetime of dental care is required to achieve healthy teeth. With so much information on the internet today, it can become overwhelming to form your simple routine. Therefore, we have created an easy guide for you to help you take care of your dental health.

Brush your Teeth Regularly

Brushing your teeth regularly with a good toothbrush can help you prevent cavities, tooth decay and gum diseases like gingivitis. It is advisable to do it twice a day, once after waking up in the morning and the other before going to sleep at night.

Buy a toothbrush that suits your needs. For instance, if you have sensitive teeth, go for a toothbrush created for the same. Soft-bristled toothbrushes are gentle on teeth and gums, thus best for children and the elderly. Toothbrushes with big handles are suitable for people who have trouble holding a toothbrush properly. Electric toothbrushes have also become a popular choice. They are easy to use and more effective than a manual toothbrush.

woman putting toothpaste on toothbrush

However, brushing is only effective if done properly. One should always hold a brush at an angle of 45 degrees. Move the toothbrush in gentle, circular motions, never exceeding four minutes. Remember not to brush aggressively as it can damage your enamel. And, always change your toothbrush after 3 months.

Use a fluoride Toothpaste

Fluoride-containing toothpaste helps both children and adults fight cavities. Brush with fluoridated toothpaste regularly to help strengthen weak regions and exposed roots, as well as to prevent the early stages of tooth decay.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that prevents tooth decay by making the enamel more resistant to the acids that cause decay. Even if a person takes good care of their teeth, evidence suggests that a lack of fluoride can lead to tooth decay. Many dentists offer fluoride treatment in their offices. These treatments have a substantially greater fluoride concentration and are given directly to the teeth as a gel, foam, or varnish.

Therefore, always look for a toothpaste that has fluoride listed as an ingredient. Choosing between a gel-based toothpaste or a tartar control toothpaste are a matter of personal choice.

Protect your Toothbrush

A toothbrush can be home to millions of disease-causing bacteria. Thus, it is necessary to guard your toothbrush against germs and dirt. A toothbrush protector does just that.

Toothbrush protector holders from BrushGuard are a perfect and hygienic storage solution for your toothbrushes. BrushGuard’s Charcoal Black Brush Protector shields your toothbrush from germs. But that's not it, you can also personalise them and have your name engraved on them. Sleek and elegant, they are recyclable and long-lasting which also makes them an environmentally friendly option. 

Don't Forget to Floss

person dental flossing

Flossing is an overlooked and underestimated dental care step. It cleans and dislodges food lodged between your teeth, lowering bacteria and plaque levels in your mouth. Plaque is a sticky coating that forms on teeth, leading to cavities and gum disease.

Flossing threads are extremely affordable and easy to use. After brushing your teeth, take out about break off about 15-18 inches of flossing thread. Hold the thread tightly between your both hands using a thumb and a middle finger. Then, move the floss gently between your teeth and gums. Repeat this process from every tooth with a clean section of thread.

Tongue Cleaners are a Must

Bacteria and plaque also get accumulated on our tongues. This can cause an extreme case of bad breath. Furthermore, germs on your tongue can produce white discolouration and can resurface on your teeth and gums after they've been cleansed. Thus, it is important to regularly clean your tongue using a tongue cleaner.

A clean tongue can heighten the senses in your taste palette. Invest in some good quality tongue cleaner made up of copper, plastic or stainless steel. Be sure to clean them after every use and store them in a hygienic place.

Get a fresh, clean breath

A mouthwash can instantly energise you by giving a fresh and minty breath. Certain mouthwashes have been shown in studies to be beneficial to oral health. They have active ingredients in them that help them fight bacteria present in the mouth. They can reach areas of the mouth that our average toothbrush and floss can.

People may want to consult with their dentist to determine which mouthwash is best for them. For instance, mouthwashes with alcohol in them as an active agent should be avoided as they tend to dry out the mouth.

Mouthwash is not a replacement for brushing and flossing, but it can be incorporated into your routine to give you a healthy smile.

Avoid drinking Sugar Drinks

woman having a dental visit

Carbonated drinks are as injurious to your dental as they are to your health in general. The drink's citric and phosphoric acids deposit on the teeth, causing cavities over time.

You must have seen many viral videos on the internet demonstrating how harmful these drinks are for our teeth. Fruit juice or other lemon water could be a great substitute for these drinks in summer.

Eat Calcium-rich Food

Your teeth, like so many other aspects of your health, are influenced by what you eat. Diet has a lot to do with the difference between a healthy smile and frequent dental visits.

Teeth are made up of calcium. Calcium strengthens the enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth that protects them from erosion and cavities. So intaking calcium-rich food such as milk, cheese and eggs are necessary for healthy teeth. However, don't just do it for your teeth, but for your whole body. Calcium is also essential for strengthening bones and muscles.

Visit your Dentist Regularly

Even the most diligent brushers and flossers require frequent visits to the dentist. Visiting this specialist regularly ensures that any dental issues can be identified and treated early on. It is advisable to see your dentists once every six months.

Your dentist will look for the presence of plaque, tartar, cavities, or gum disease in your teeth and mouth. You can take action straight now if there are any.