Taking Care of Your Teeth Between Dentist Visits

You visit your dentist only twice a year. The rest of the time, you are responsible for the health and wellness of your own teeth, mouth and gums. Although dentists can be partners in helping you maintain healthy teeth, it's really up to you whether they remain fully healthy and disease free. You may think you know everything about daily dental health, but learning what is most important about your daily routine may help you develop better habits for a cleaner, healthier, and more beautiful mouth.

Everyone has been brought up on the idea that brushing should happen twice a day. Although this has been a long-standing tradition in oral healthcare, recently dentists have been encouraging people to brush once a day for a longer period of time. Excess brushing can lead to enamel wear, and when enamel is lost it does not grow back. Excessive brushing or brushing with hard bristles can wear away this barrier between the elements and your teeth. These people are hoping for a whiter smile by brushing their teeth harder. This will actually make your teeth more susceptible to staining. A dentist recommends that you should focus on brushing on the gum line rather than brushing to polish your teeth.

If flossing has become a difficult habit to adopt, it may be interesting to discover that in the field of dental health, dentists are now saying that flossing is more important than brushing your teeth. Because flossing maintains cleanliness between teeth in ways that brushing cannot accomplish, you are less likely to have dental health problems if you floss. It also keeps gums strong to help prevent against gum disease. When your dentist tells you that it's time to take up flossing, before picking up the tooth brush, remember this fact and you can work to develop new habits that better take care of your teeth.

Mouthwash is a helpful way to kill harmful bacteria that promotes disease and decay. Although an unnecessary part of your routine, it is extremely helpful for people who have oral environments that promote bad breath. If you have problems with bad breath, your dentist may suggest a daily mouthwash that augments your routine to keep your teeth clean and your mouth healthy.

Today, many people are extremely concerned with the beauty of their teeth. It is important to be aware how over-the-counter products work and how to properly use them for a whiter smile. Dentists will tell you that not everyone's teeth develop as perfectly and naturally white. Tooth colors range from white to pale yellow. Excessive use of whitening products can damage your teeth. It is more important to focus on health at home and, if you want to improve the look of your teeth, talking to a dentist for clinical solutions is a better route.

Now that you know a little more detail about the importance of daily oral healthcare you can take control of the health and wellness of your teeth between cleanings and consultations.