Dentists: Instructions for Caring for You

Every time you meet with one of the dentists in the office, you probably hear the same things over and over again. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing are the major things that each person can do to take care of their teeth and gum to avoid problems in the future. These actions, coupled with a good diet and regular check-ups can help you take care of your teeth and ensure that they last a long time with minimal issues.

Brushing

Dentists recommend that you brush at least two times a day. While this is not ideal, this is what most people seem to do; once in the morning and once before bed. However, the best way to brush is after every meal. You can find travel toothbrushes and toothpastes at any local grocery store. If you need something a little more convenient, look for a the products that will help you brush your teeth without any water. You can usually slip them over your finger (although some come with a little “mini toothbrush”) and you can run it over your teeth, at least getting rid of everything on the surface.

Teeth need to be brushed for at least a few minutes. Remember that there are all types of angles in your mouth and you want to make sure that each part of your teeth end up clean. Dentists will tell patients to take their time when brushing and work hard to make sure to not forget the teeth in the very back as well as the backs of the teeth in the very front.

Flossing

Flossing is one of the most overlooked part of taking care of your teeth. Most people just don't take the time to do it or if they do, it isn't regularly. This should be done once a day. It helps to remove the food (and plaque) the builds up between teeth. There are some places that a toothbrush just isn't going to be able to get and the floss is just thin enough to get into those smaller crevices. Begin with the top teeth and when that is complete, move onto the bottom set. Also, take the time to go around each tooth and don't forget the teeth in the back. They also need to be flossed along the back edge.

Mouthwash

There are several different mouthwashing products available. Some have special features for children to help them see what they are removing from their mouth or even where they didn't brush well enough. Most dentists agree that the most important featuring in finding a mouthwash is that is has fluoride. This, partnered with the brushing and the flossing can reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth and help reduce the risk of dental problem in the future.

Checkups are the final step in taking care of your teeth. Dentists like to see their patients at least every six months. Here they can get a professional cleaning and have any problem areas addressed. Keeping up with this routine can give you a chance at healthy teeth and gums and make sure that your relationship with your dentist is something that you look forward to.