Dentist Recommended Tips for Good Dental Hygiene

Tooth decay and gum diseases affect millions of people every day in the United States. These problems can easily be prevented by practicing good dental hygiene and making regular visits to your dentist for the care of your teeth. As part of your oral healthcare, you have to practice good dental hygiene in order to have healthy gums and teeth. Here are some tips recommended by dentists for good dental hygiene.

To keep your teeth free of bacteria, you should brush at least twice a day. If you prefer, you can brush your teeth after every meal. When brushing your teeth, you should turn your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle and brush using short strokes against the gum line. You should make sure that you brush your upper and lower teeth including the inner teeth area. To prevent bad breath, you need to brush your tongue as well.

Flossing your teeth is another important tip for good dental hygiene. You should try to floss between each tooth to remove any food particles. Food left between your teeth overnight can cause tooth decay to form. If you are not sure how to floss, you can ask your dentist to show you during your next dental visit or speak with the hygienist on duty.

Fluoride is very good for your teeth because it helps to prevent tooth decay. Many cities and towns in the United States add fluoride to their water to help their citizens. In addition to drinking water, you should always use toothpaste that contains fluoride to brush your teeth with. If you use other dental products such as mouthwash, you should try to purchase one that contains fluoride as well.

In order to improve your dental and overall health, you should try to change your diet. You should stay away from foods that have high sugar content. If you drink soda, tea, or coffee daily, you should make sure that you brush your teeth to prevent staining. As an alternative to sugar, you should add more fruits and sugar-free desserts to your diet.

Calcium is an important vitamin that is good for your teeth and bones. You should try to drink milk that is rich in calcium to make your teeth stronger. If you don't like milk, you can eat dairy products such as yogurt to get your daily recommended calcium each day. Another alternative would be to take a calcium supplement as part of your daily vitamin.

The bristles on your toothbrush will start to wear down after several uses. After two to three months, you should replace your toothbrush with a new one. You should try to use a toothbrush that is comfortable for you and does not hurt your teeth and gums. Dentists often recommended that their patients use a soft toothbrush instead of a hard one.

To keep your teeth clean and healthy, you must visit your dentist at least every six months for a check-up. He or she will check your gums and teeth for any signs of gum disease, tooth decay, or cavities after your cleaning. If you are experiencing any pain or tooth sensitivity, you should make an appointment with a dentist right away.