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| Medina Orthodontics |
The 5 steps below are smart ways to care for your smile. There is no quick fix when it comes to doing what’s best, so stick with these steps and we promise you will see results.
1. Brush your Teeth Twice a Day with a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
Bacteria is produced in your mouth in a brief amount of time, and it keeps producing over short periods of time. When you brush your teeth twice a day, you destroy the bacteria in your mouth to make it clean. If left in your mouth for twenty-four hours, bacteria can damage the enamel of your teeth and gradually weaken your gums and roots resulting in the decay of your teeth. Moreover, the removal of bacteria also results in the removal of bad breath.
The proper brushing technique is to: Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums. Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes. Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth. To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.
2. Floss Daily
Flossing removes plaque between teeth and out from under the gumline where your toothbrush can’t reach. When left alone, plaque and tartar build up under the surface of the gumlines. This can cause periodontal disease, which leads to bone destruction and tooth loss. Daily flossing helps prevent tooth decay and gingivitis.
To floss properly, wrap the floss tightly around your finger and insert in the space between your teeth. Gently slide it up and down under the gumlines two to three times. If bleeding occurs, this is most likely due to gingivitis or gum disease. When flossing daily, the bleeding associated with mild to moderate gingivitis usually stops after about two weeks.
3. Keep your Tongue Clean
Even if you are an oral hygiene all-star who brushes your teeth twice a day, you may still be missing one step that could help keep your mouth fresh and healthy…cleaning your tongue. Brush your tongue gently from back to front a few times with a toothbrush and toothpaste each time you brush your teeth to keep bad bacteria, as well as food debris, from causing trouble.
4. Drink Plenty of Water
Our bodies are made of 60% water, and staying hydrated helps your system distribute healthy nutrients, gets rid of waste, gives your skin a healthy glow and keeps your muscles moving. Sipping water is also one of the best things you can do for your teeth. And drinking water with is one of the easiest and most beneficial things you can do to help prevent cavities.
Water cleans your mouth with every sip. It washes away leftover food and residue that cavity-causing bacteria are looking for. It also dilutes the acids produced by the bacteria in your mouth. You will still need to brush twice a day for two minutes and clean between your teeth thoroughly but drinking water throughout the day will go a long way toward keeping your smile cavity-free.
5. See your Regular Dentist Twice a Year
Regular dental visits are necessary to preserving your oral health. Having routine cleanings every six months helps to promote good oral health and a beautiful smile. Your dentist is trained to recognize early signs of tooth decay and gum disease before they cause severe damage to your teeth and mouth. Regular checkups are the key to maintaining a healthy smile. When your cleanings are irregular, you can develop periodontal disease. This can cause unsightly swollen, receding, and bleeding gums.
In addition to removing stain and tartar from your teeth, your dental hygienist will also screen for health conditions like high blood pressure and oral cancer. Because many health conditions manifest themselves in the mouth, your dentist and hygienist can make you aware of issues that you should follow up on with your doctor.
