Dentists know how to keep teeth looking and feeling good, but most regular folks don't. Here are some simple things that you can do to stay in good shape, prevent problems and keep from having to have major work done.
Dentists have great advice for taking care of teeth,
but we usually don't listen. The consequences of not listening to your dentist are more visits to get more work done, and nobody wants that. In order to keep yourself out of the chair and keep your teeth healthy, here are some brushing tips that will help.
It's Not The Toothpaste, It's How You Brush. The ads for toothpaste tell you otherwise, but the fact is that it barely matters what type you use. Dentists always say that any toothpaste will do if you know how to use it right. In fact, just brushing with water will work if you don't have any toothpaste on hand.
Brush Your Gums. Dentists always tell you to brush your gums as well as your teeth. It's actually the space where the gums and teeth meet that's the most important. This is where tartar builds up, and it doesn't come from the foods we eat as much as from our own saliva. It builds up naturally over time whether you're eating candy bars or apples.
Keep It Going For Two Minutes. Dentists recommend that you brush for at least two minutes. There's nothing wrong with brushing for longer. If you're not sure how long you're brushing, set a timer. This will give you an idea of how long is long enough.
Floss. That's all that really needs to be said. Dentists always tell you that you should floss twice a day, and they're not kidding. Brushing doesn't get the stuff out from between your teeth, and this is just as important as the surfaces. Because the spaces between are so often overlooked, this a major area where people have problems, and floss gets it taken care of.
Don't Brush Hard. Because you want to get everything cleaned up, lots of people scrub too hard on their teeth. It's not the force that's important but the speed. Move the brush quickly over everything without pressing down. Pushing too hard can cause gums to bleed. The fast, rigorous motion is what gets the tartar and stuff off.
Go Electric. Dentists often recommend using electric toothbrushes. These are the kind that vibrate in a circular pattern. They not only make brushing easier, but actually help really scrub the stuff off. There are a lot of these on the market and some of them are not so great, so ask your dentist for a recommendation on what model to buy.
Do Your Own Teeth Whitening. Before you start buying fancy products from the drug store or talk to your dentist about getting teeth whitening done, ask them about some home remedies that work. These are things that people have been using for centuries to whiten their smiles. The list includes strawberries, apples, lemon juice, baking soda and more.
Make Regular Visits. When a professional tell you that you should have a check-up once every six months, they're not just trying to get more money out of you. If you see yours on a regular basis, they can catch small problems before they become big ones, and you know what happens when they become big problems - You're there more, paying MORE money for surgery!
