Care for Your Teeth

The secret to a healthier mouth and teeth is proper preventative dental care. It is not enough to see the dentist twice a year for periodic cleaning. Teeth with adequate daily care reduce dramatically the amount of problems attributed to conditions such as caries and gingivitis.

Brushing

The most effective way to prevent the build-up of plaque on the surface of the teeth resulting in calculus and gingivitis is by consistently brushing after meals. There are several important points on the way to brush teeth. First, a soft toothbrush with rounded bristle ends approved by the ADA is generally the best tool for the job. When brushing, only lightly press the bristles against the teeth and move them across the teeth in short strokes. Toothpaste can be rather abravise so it is important not to press hard. Take extra care when brushing along the gum line.

Make sure both the inside and outside of all your teeth are brushed. Brushing your tongue can help maintain fresher breath. Remember to change your toothbrush every few months since an old toothbrush is not only less effective but can cause damage to the gums if the bristles are too worn.

Flossing

While brushing helps to maintain the exposed surfaces of teeth clean, it does not remove all the particles trapped between the teeth. The way to clean these areas well is by flossing. Flossing can remove concentrations of material that become lodged between the teeth and even down into the gums. With about 18 inches of dental floss, wrap a good portion around the fingers of one hand. Clean your teeth by inserting it between each one and working your way out from the bottom of the tooth in the gum.

As you move around your mouth, unwrap a bit of floss to clean the next pair of teeth. Also make sure to clean the backside of the backmost molars.

Regular Cleanings

Invariable some plaque and caculus may build up particularly at the gum line. So even while you can provide daily preventative care at home, it still is necessary to go to the dentist for a periodic cleaning.

At the same time, the dentist can check your teeth for problems that you might not see. Each tooth is a living part of your body that can last a lifetime with the proper care.