The human mouth hosts over 700 different types of useful and harmful bacteria. The beneficial bacteria play a crucial role in the body, but harmful bacteria are known to cause a myriad of dental problems like gum diseases, bad breath, and cavities. These harmful bacteria only exit when people do not practice good oral hygiene. The best way to prevent contracting these dental problems is to practice good dental habits consistently. Below are some of the steps you can follow to have perfect dental health:
1) Visit a Dentist Regularly
You should go for a dental check-up every six months even if you are not experiencing any teeth problems. This checkup is vital because some dental issues like cavities may have developed without you noticing. The dentists will examine your teeth, gums, tongue, and throat for any dental problems. You can get your teeth cleaned to remove plaque and tartar, which cause oral diseases during this dental visit. Dentists also give dental care advice on tooth cleaning, the right diet, and habits that support oral health. For those in the northeastern side of the US and you are wondering where you could get a reliable Vermont Dentist, you could look up for these services online.
2) Brush Your Teeth Properly
Brushing teeth is an activity that should take at least two minutes and target all point in the mouth. To clean properly, gently stroke the inside and outside of teeth back and forth aiming the gum line and in the chewing surface. It would be best if you also cleaned your tongue to remove bacteria, which causes breath smell. Once you complete cleaning, rinse your mouth with water and mouthwash. Repeat this activity daily, once during the day and before you sleep to reduce tartar build up.
3) Have the Right Oral Care Equipment
Only use fluoride-based toothpaste and mouth rinses to prevent tooth decay and cavities. By including fluoride in your oral care, you get to strengthen and keep your teeth healthy. It is also ideal to have a soft bristle toothbrush or an electric toothbrush. An electric spin brush is highly effective in cleaning teeth since it removes plaque faster even in the hard to reach areas of teeth.
4) Clean and Store Your Brush Correctly
Proper cleaning and storage of your toothbrush are essential to reduce the risk of contamination by bacteria, mold, and yeast. Always rinse your brush thoroughly after using it and store it upwards in an open holder to dry.
5) Replace Your Toothbrush
Although toothbrushes do not have an expiry date, using it for more than four months can affect your oral health. The bristles of toothbrushes became hard or worn out with continuous use, therefore, causing tooth abrasion. Also, using a worn-out brush is not useful in cleaning teeth because the bristles are weak. Dentist recommends replacing your spin brush head or toothbrush every four months, after infection, and immediately the bristles wear out.
6) Stop These Bad Oral Habit
You may be keen on oral hygiene but still, face dental problems caused by bad dental practices. They include using your teeth as tools, crushing ice on your teeth, and eating a lot of sugary foods and drinks. It would help if you avoided these habits because they weaken teeth and cause tooth decay.