Tooth Care

 Most people don't consider tooth care important, but it is crucial! Your teeth need a variety of things to function properly, so you should take good care of them. Here are some tips on how to do that, and what else you should know about healthy brushing.

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day will help keep your mouth clean and prevent cavities from forming. Good dental hygiene also includes flossing after each meal and before bed. This can minimize plaque buildup on the teeth, which increases their risk of developing oral cancer. If you're worried about cavities, talk with your dentist. He or she may prescribe special fluoride treatments for you. Fluoride works by helping your teeth to develop strong enamel. In addition, it may reduce the severity of other problems such as bad breath or sensitivity in your teeth. See your dentist regularly for cleaning and treatment. Regular visits to your dentist can prevent gum disease and decay. Gum disease is when your gums get weak and bleed easily. It's often accompanied by bad breath and/or swollen gums. Treatment usually involves removing tartar (hardened food particles) and scaling and polishing your teeth. When your dentist does this, he or she may suggest adding fluoride treatments. Once your teeth have been cleaned and treated, they will look more beautiful and feel better than ever. For best results, use fluoride toothpaste that has added fluoride. A fluoride toothpaste can be used every 3-4 months or less.

Brush with water and let it sit for about 1 minute

Brushing your teeth can help keep them clean and healthy. As soon as you brush with water, start rinsing your mouth with warm tap water and spit into your cup, not your hand. Then, rinse again with water and hold your tooth between your thumb and index finger. Brush gently and move your tooth for about 2 minutes. Finally, rinse with cool tap water and brush again with water only. Do not rub your teeth. Rubbing with hot, moist hands could cause damage to your teeth. Instead of rubbing your teeth, brush your teeth slowly using your fingertips, letting the tooth brush sink into the inner tooth surface, without moving it too much. Hold that position for 20 seconds, then release the pressure. Continue brushing your teeth using gentle, short strokes as needed. Never rub your tongue. Rinse with warm tap water immediately after brushing and spit out to prevent bacteria getting on your fingers. Brush your teeth again 2 hours later.

Tooth Brushing Tips

Toothbrushing helps make sure your teeth are clear and stay that way. Follow these simple steps and you'll see great improvements.

Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your mouth. Wash your hands with soap and warm water. Dry your hands after cleaning, and wet the paper towel tightly. Use the dry towel to wipe down all areas of your hands including the tops of your knuckles, underarms and wrists. Don’t forget the backs of your hands. Clean the backs of your hands with the bathroom sink basin. Make sure all the corners of your hands remain clean. To make it easy to rinse out the mouth area, choose the right size container so you can pour hot water into the basin. Pour hot water over your head and rinse thoroughly using cold tap water. Repeat this process to rinse the rest of your body. After rinsing, place a soft-bristled toothbrush in your mouth and brush to dislodge accumulated plaque and strengthen your tooth. Keep brushing as long as it takes. Brush only once or twice a day. You might brush longer if you have very sensitive teeth or frequent snacking. Or you may want to clean up more thoroughly each time you brush.

What Happens After Toothbrushing?

After brushing, it doesn't matter whether you rinse, spit, or chew gum. You'll need to brush your teeth again in order to prevent further infections, especially in children where the bacteria can enter the bloodstream more easily. So, wash your brush with a mild solution of plain water and spit out after brushing. Wait a few minutes before going to sleep. The saliva on your face could make swallowing difficult for your baby and can make the process more painful for older babies.

What Else Should I Know About Healthy Teeth Care?

Teeth are a visible part of our bodies; they must be kept clean to prevent disease. Fortunately, there are many ways to keep them good and healthy. If you know what products you put in your mouth, follow these tips when applying these foods:

Always rinse your empty stomach with plenty of water before eating because chewing gum and putting sugar in your mouth can irritate your teeth. Don’t eat sticky foods like potato chips or crackers unless they're completely clean. Always use a spoon and tongs for eating instead of plastic spoons and forks. Chew gum and candies while standing up. Gums and candies tend to stick together, which causes erosion and hurts your teeth. Avoid candy on your own teeth. Sugar causes decay, which means it gets lodged in the teeth. It can also spread gingivitis, an infection of your gums and/or teeth. Choose chewing gum that doesn't contain any kind of glue, and remember to rinse frequently afterward. Get enough sleep each night! Sleep is especially crucial if you’re a pregnant woman, child, or old person. These groups have different needs; if you aren’t sleeping well, even just one extra hour in the evening may be helpful. Talk to your doctor or dentist if you notice any unusual changes to your physical appearance (for example, increased facial wrinkles). Remember to rinse your mouth after eating. When you’re having something delicious, it’s easy to overeat and swallow, leading to cavities or gingivitis.