Teeth are such an essential part of our body, and yet we tend to take them for granted until something goes wrong with them. If you don’t want to end up with false teeth one day, or only able to slurp soft foods, it’s well worth taking care of them now. Here’s how to do that:
Brush twice a day
Plaque is formed on your teeth by bacteria and it accumulates throughout the day (and night). If you don’t remove it through regular brushing, it builds up and you could end up with tooth decay or gum disease.
Be sure to replace your toothbrush regularly, as soon as the bristles start to spread out. Use fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen your teeth, and when you’ve finished brushing, spit out the toothpaste, but don’t immediately rinse your mouth, so the cleaning process can continue.
The two-minute habit
Brush your teeth for about 2 minutes last thing at night, once you’ve finished eating, and then again in the morning, ideally after breakfast. Try to brush the top, as well as the inside and outside of all your teeth in the process.
Brushing can only take you so far, especially if your teeth are spaced in such a way as to leave gaps where food can easily get trapped. Even if you don’t have gaps, plaque still forms between your teeth, where only floss can reach. Try to get right in between all the teeth, as far as you can go, which may even feel like you’re going a little into the gum.
For more on how to floss, see here. If you don’t floss regularly, you may find your gums bleed a little when you do. If you do floss regularly and your gums are still bleeding, visit your dentist.
Make friends with your dentist
Ideally you should have a dental check-up at least once a year. If you find you have pain in your teeth or gums though, don’t delay in visiting your dentist sooner. The longer you leave it, the more chance you have of developing further infection, which just causes more pain and may well end up more difficult to treat.
Just a few simple steps, and you maximise your chances of having strong and healthy teeth throughout your life. Who doesn’t love a great smile?!