A lot of adults carry bad oral care habits from childhood with them and never truly understand how to take care of their teeth correctly. Even people who think they know how to care for their teeth commit many mistakes that can lead to cavities and all sorts of other issues. This is why you should always keep learning about oral care if the state of your teeth and your overall health is important to you. Here’s a quick oral care guide all adults should follow.
Brush Your Teeth Correctly
The most important part of taking care of your oral health is knowing how to brush your teeth correctly and when. You have to make sure that you brush your teeth at least twice a day, and never go to sleep without brushing them. If you want to be extra safe, however, then you can brush your teeth after every meal.
As far as technique goes, you should try brushing your teeth in a circular motion at a 45-degree angle instead of side to side. This will help remove particles from between the teeth better and will give you a good all-around brush at the same time. It is also the method recommended by most dentists.
Another very important thing to know is when to change your toothbrush. One of the clearest signs that a toothbrush should be changed is if the bristles lose their shape and become dishevelled. But, if they get to that point, then this usually means that the brush is too worn already.
The easiest way to know if the brush should be replaced is by looking at the colored stripe on your brush if it has one. Few people know this, but these stripes are there specifically so you can tell when the brush is worn out. If they are discolored, then this means that you need to replace the brush right away. If your brush doesn’t have a strip, then you should replace it every three months at the very least.
Don’t Forget to Brush Your Tongue too
If you were always wondering if brushing your teeth was necessary, yes, it is. Plaque can build up on your tongue and spread and can lead to infections, cavities, and bad breath. So, brush your teeth thoroughly after you clean your teeth, and consider investing in a tongue scraper.
Make Flossing an Important Part of Your Dental Care Routine
Flossing is extremely important too and is one of the best ways to prevent cavities. And, even if you brush your teeth the best that you can every day, some food particles will stay between the teeth. So make sure that you floss your teeth or use a waterpik every time you brush your teeth, even if it gets difficult or uncomfortable. You and your teeth will eventually get used to it.
Fix Issues as Soon as They Appear
Do not let tooth issues deteriorate and go see a dentist as soon as you experience persistent symptoms. Things like toothache or gum inflammation can be a sign of something more serious going on, and if you notice that these issues spread over a few days, then you should consider speaking with a professional.
Some issues could be fixed without you having to go with a dentist. If you have crooked teeth, for instance, services like Aligner32 will allow you to get clear aligners from the comfort of your home. They do so by sending an impression kit that will be used to create a 3D model of your teeth. Your aligners will then be sent back to you by mail with instructions.
The sooner you catch issues, the better the chances of fixing them, and the lower the chances that they lead to severe complications, so do not take this piece of advice lightly.
Go See Your Dentist Once a Year
If it's been a while since you've seen a dentist, then go for a visit right away and try to go at least once a year from now on, even if you don't have issues. That would be a great time to get a professional cleaning too. This will allow things like plaque to be unlogged and will greatly decrease the chance that you develop tooth decay. Your teeth will look much better too.
Stay Away from Tobacco and Alcohol
Tobacco and alcohol can both have disastrous effects on teeth and should be avoided as much as possible. Tobacco can not only stain your teeth irreparably but can also lead to tooth decay and gum diseases. Alcohol drinks can also stain the teeth depending on their tint and can also corrode the enamel. On top of that, they disrupt the flow of saliva, and saliva plays an essential role in keeping the teeth clean and free of bacteria by killing them and making the mouth a hostile environment for them.
This is all you need to know if you want to build a solid oral care foundation as an adult. If you follow these few tips, you'll reduce the chances of serious issues forming, and will enjoy better-looking teeth for longer.