Top five dos and don’ts
Dental hygiene is one of the most important activities you can partake in. Clean and good looking teeth will not only make you feel more confident but will also play an important role in how you speak. Furthermore, well shaped teeth will help you to chew and digest food better. This section offers several tips on not only what you should be doing to take care of your teeth, but also, what you should not be doing, just as important in the long run.
What you should do
- Brush your teeth twice a day - This will help to remove any plaque and bacteria from your teeth, providing protection against tooth decay and erosion. However, make sure you don’t brush your teeth too vigorously, as this can lead to damage in itself. If you have eaten something particularly sugary or high in acidity, then you may choose to brush your teeth afterwards.
- Floss your teeth every day - You should floss your teeth at least once a day. This will help to remove bits of food and any bacteria that get caught up in the gaps between your teeth. If you floss only once a day then it is advised you do so before going to bed. It may also be beneficial if you floss after each meal.
- Use mouthwash - Mouthwash is another important element in the process of cleaning your teeth. Mouthwash can reach the areas that a toothbrush can not, and can help to remove any bacteria or bits of food that get caught around the teeth.
- Use fluoride based dental products - Fluoride is essential in the fight against tooth decay. It is now included in most toothpastes and is also added to tap water in many UK areas. Cases of tooth decay have plummeted since it was added to toothpaste. However, you should follow the guidelines provided with fluoride based products, as too much can stain your teeth.
- Visit your dentist regularly - It is of utmost importance to the state of your teeth that you visit the dentist for your regular dental appointment, likely to occur every six months. If you do not do so, then you will be none the wiser to any tooth decay that is occurring. Your dentist can recommend any special treatment that your teeth may require.
What you shouldn’t do
- Avoid sugar - Sugary foods eat away at the teeth as soon as they are eaten. This can lead to tooth decay and erosion. Rather than eating sugar based products you should try replacing them with fruit or something like toast. Be warned though, some fruit such as oranges contain acid that can also cause the teeth to decay.
- Don’t leave a problem unchecked - If your teeth have suddenly become sensitive to cold or hot drinks, or if you find that when you brush your teeth your gums bleed, then you should make sure you see your dentist. Don’t leave such troubles to simmer as they will likely only get worse.
- Don’t give your child sweets for a snack - Giving your child sweets as a treat during the day between meals is a mistake. A regular intake of sweets is bound to cause some damage to their teeth. Replace sweet snacks with a piece of toast or some fruit. Fizzy drinks are also a bad idea and should be replaced with something more suitable.
- Don’t rush through cleaning your teeth - If you rush through the act of brushing your teeth then you will not be getting them clean enough. Plaque will likely still be in place, as may little bits of food. You need to take your time when brushing your teeth and ensure that each tooth is given sufficient time and care.
- Don’t clean your teeth too frequently - This may seem like a strange one to some of you, but the act of cleaning your teeth one too many times can lead to damage of your teeth and gums. Stick to the recommended amount and make sure that you don’t brush your teeth too forcefully.
