Did you know that there are more than 10,000 bacteria in your mouth at any given time? If you’re prone to gagging at the thought of all that nasty bacteria, don’t worry. The human body is home to a wide variety of helpful microorganisms, but some strains can cause disease or even lead to serious illness if they get out of control. Fortunately, there are many ways to keep harmful bacteria at bay. Keeping your teeth and gums clean and taking care of them on a daily basis are important first steps. To help you get started checking these boxes and keeping your pearly whites in mint condition, here is a list of excellent tips for maintaining general dental health.
Brush and Floss Daily
Perfectly brushed teeth are a rare find. Two out of three people incorrectly brush their teeth. This includes people who are over-brushing and people who are not brushing at all. To ensure your teeth stay healthy, be sure to brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss at least once. Start by brushing with fluoride toothpaste. Look for toothpaste with fluoride in it or does toothpaste have calories, as this is a proven way to strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities. Brush for at least two minutes, making sure to brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each tooth. When you’re done, rinse your mouth with water to remove any remaining toothpaste and debris.
Rinse With Mouthwash
Mouthwash is recommended by many dentists as a way to help prevent gingivitis and other dental diseases. It’s a good idea to rinse with mouthwash daily to kill bacteria and keep your mouth smelling fresh. However, mouthwash should not replace brushing and flossing, as it does not remove food particles or bacteria from between your teeth. Mouthwash with fluoride is most effective in fighting cavities and gum disease and many brands also include ingredients like chlorophyll, witch hazel, or menthol that help to reduce inflammation.
Eat Dental-Friendly Foods
Certain foods, like apples, oranges, and carrots, are already known for keeping your teeth healthy. But what about other foods that are less well known for their dental benefits? You’ll be happy to know that there are many foods that are actually good for your teeth. When it comes to dental health, the key is to avoid sugary drinks, snacks, and meals and instead focus on foods high in calcium, Vitamin C, and fibre. Good dentally-friendly foods include almonds, apples, avocados, bananas, broccoli, carrots, dark chocolate, coconut water, dairy products, eggs, fish, hummus, legumes, oatmeal, nuts, olives, seeds, yogurt, and more.
Ask Your Dentist about a Sonic Toothbrush
If you’re looking to keep your smile in tip-top shape, consider investing in a Sonic Smart Toothbrush. This type of toothbrush vibrates at an extremely high frequency, typically around 31,000 strokes per minute. While it’s debatable whether or not sonic toothbrushes are better than normal electric toothbrushes, they are generally more expensive and require more care. When purchasing a Sonic Electric Toothbrush, be sure to select a model with a built-in timer. This will help you brush for the dentist-recommended two minutes, which is about how long it takes for your teeth to become significantly cleaner.
Conclusion
With all the different types of toothbrushes and brushing techniques out there, it can be a challenge to find the best toothbrush for you. With the information above, you will be able to make a smart choice when it comes to choosing the right type of toothbrush for your needs.
