Many people interested in getting better oral hygiene would benefit from some dental health tips that might not seem obvious to many. Some people spend a lot of time and money on ensuring that their dental health is well taken care of, but may still end up with caries, cavities and other dental pathologies. Avoiding this is as simple as making sure that you fully understand the things that influence dental hygiene, and stick to them. This also applies for cosmetic dentistry too.
Brushing Teeth Once a Day
A surprising number of people will only brush their teeth in the morning as a routine. Many see this as an acceptable way to keep teeth clean. By the time you go to bed at night, you will have had several meals, and the debris from them will be stuck in between your teeth and on the gums. As you sleep, bacteria metabolize this and produce acids which damage the surface of the teeth. The ideal schedule for tooth brushing is after every meal. However, if this is not practical, the minimum you should aim for is brushing your teeth at least twice a day: when you wake up and just before you go to sleep.
Using Mouthwash In Place of Floss
Mouthwash might have a place in dental hygiene, but it should never be used as a substitute for floss. Many people who do this think that after brushing, they can use mouthwash to get rid of the residual debris on and between teeth. The fact is that food material between teeth can only be effectively removed using floss or interdental brushes. After this, you can then use the mouthwash for an extra layer of protection and to freshen your breath even more.
Using Rough Tooth Brushes
Your gums and teeth are sensitive tissue, and you should treat them as such. Some people will buy toothbrushes with hard bristles, in the belief that they will be better at forcing debris off their teeth. They are actually more likely to cause traumatic damage to gums and teeth, so you are better off with soft or medium stiffness tooth brushes.
Forgoing Dental Appointments
Having a strict tooth hygiene regimen is all well and good, but you may still end up with dental problems if you don’t visit a dentist once in a while for at least a minor checkup. It is recommended that this be done every six months at least. This turns out to be cheap in the long run, since these appointments are only there to serve the purpose of inspecting the status of your teeth, addressing any dental problems that might be arising and providing more information on how to take care of your teeth. When dental problems are identified during such times, it’s easier and cheaper to take care of them as well.
Dr. Alex Rubinov is an experienced dental practitioner in New York who can offer a range of dental services, including orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry and general dental services. Contact us at (718) 253-0800 for an appointment.
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