Physical appearance is one of the top concerns in the United States today. Statistics have shown that 83% of the general population believes that good physical appearance is vital to do well in their work.
While hair, facial looks, and fitness are all important, teeth should not be forgotten. In addition to improving the overall appearance of a person, teeth are vital to a normal life.
They are the tool that people use to eat. Extra pain in the mouth can hinder the ability to speak and focus on everyday activities.
By taking care of the teeth tooth decay, gum disease, and pain can all be prevented. The most vital tooth care is personal and takes place at home.
There are several things that people can do to take proper care of their teeth. The primary action of importance is daily brushing.
Brushing the teeth is the most effective way to remove plaque and it should be done at least twice a day. The quality of brushing is more important than the brush used for the job.
A complete brushing job usually takes about two minutes. Most dentists suggest starting on one side of the mouth and moving around to the other side, focusing on the gum line throughout those two minutes.
They also suggest that the toothbrush be changed monthly and fluoride toothpaste. The most effective toothbrush to use is one with a small head and synthetic bristles.
A myth related to brushing is that ideal brushing should take place immediately after each meal. This is not the case however.
Right after eating the enamel on the teeth has been worn down, and if they are brushed right after the meal it will wear the enamel down. This will cause pain and sensitivity and a greater chance of tooth decay.
Dentists suggest waiting one hour after eating because that allows time for saliva to neutralize to acid that eats teeth. It is also a break for the enamel and it will not be worn away as easily.
It is also best not to snack. The more snacking that takes place the more time there is where food and sugar are wearing down the enamel and attacking the teeth.
Professionals have stated that the two best times to brush during the day are before breakfast and bed. Brushing before bed is particularly important because saliva slows down while sleeping, leaving the teeth unprotected and more susceptible to decay.
The second task in protecting the teeth is to floss. Floss can reach places the brush cannot, but it is important to have the right technique.
There are many diagrams of how to floss up on-line. Dentists are also good resources for any questions about flossing or particulars of taking care of teeth.
The third step in caring for teeth is to use mouthwash. Generally, fluoride or antiseptic mouthwashes provide the best results.
Fluoride mouthwashes are best at preventing tooth decay. Antiseptic mouthwashes specialize in reducing plaque bacteria and preventing gum disease.
With mouthwash it is important to follow the instructions on the bottle. Too much can be harmful, while too little will not do anything.
Surprisingly, chewing gum can also help protect the teeth. Gum can stimulate saliva which neutralizes plaque acid.
A few brands of chewing gum even contain Xylitol. Xylitol is a sugar-free sweetener that can reduce decay in the teeth.
As with all health related issues, the amount of sugar in the diet can have a huge effect on the teeth. With teeth, the amount of sugar does not matter as much as how often the sugar is eaten.
Eating sugar to often results in tooth decay and increased cavities. It is the same with eating too many acidic foods and drinks such as citrus juice or fizzy drinks like soda.
Alcohol and Tobacco can also have a tremendous effect on the mouth. In addition to causing cancer, smoking leaves stains and a high risk of gum disease and tooth loss. Alcohol contains high amounts of sugar.
To cap off this personal care, it is important to visit a dentist about every six months to two years. They are trained to detect problems early and can provide customized advice and treatment.
tom selwick has authored hundreds of articles relating to oral health and dentistry. he was formerly a dental assistant for a http://www.ocdentist4u.comdentist mission viejo practice. he has been a guest dental lecturer for over 15 years.
contact info:
tom selwick
tomselwick09@gmail.com
http://www.ocdentist4u.com
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