Top 10 Simple Dental Health Tips: Oral Hygiene
#10 – Choose the right toothbrush
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Soft or medium bristles are best because they do less damage to the tooth’s enamel than hard bristles. Children’s brushes are smaller to fit in kid-sized mouths. For adults, you can pick between manual and electric based on your personal preferences. If you decide on electric, rotating oscillating heads work best. Whatever you choose, don’t forget to change your toothbrush or toothbrush head at least every 2-3 months.
#9 – Choose the right toothpaste
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Toothpastes come in pastes, powders or gels. As for ingredients, most commercial toothpastes include fluoride to help fight cavities. Some specifically target plaque and tartar buildup, while others protect sensitive teeth. To make sure your teeth stay clean and bright, there are many whitening toothpastes on the market. Natural ingredients are also an option for health-conscious consumers.
#8 – Make sure to brush correctly
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There is a right way to brush your teeth. Brush at least twice daily – once in the morning and once before bed. However, brushing more than three times a day can harm your teeth’s enamel. You can also damage the enamel by brushing too hard. Make sure to brush for at least two minutes, and to get to every part of your mouth – that includes hard-to-reach places like the back of your teeth and your tongue! That will help fight bad breath.
#7 – Floss every day
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You can also prevent bad breath, and plaque buildup, by flossing once a day. Like toothbrushes and toothpaste, you’ll find a variety of different types in your dental care aisle. Un-waxed floss is great for those with evenly spaced teeth. But if your teeth are close together, waxed floss glides more smoothly. If you have wide spaces, try tape floss. Flavored floss can help mask bad breath.
#6 – Use all the tools at your disposal
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Aside from the basics, there are more advanced tools available. Choose a mouthwash based on your needs: you’ll find breath fresheners, germ killers, plaque fighters, whiteners and more on the market. Of course, don’t forget to pop some sugar-free gum in your mouth if you can’t brush your teeth.
#5 – Eat these foods…
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Maintaining a healthy diet will go a long way to keeping your mouth healthy, too. Celery and apples are ideal choices because they can clean your teeth after a meal. Dairy products like cheese and yogurt contain calcium and other ingredients that strengthen your chompers, and nuts are chock full of healthy ingredients too. Your drinks of choice should be water, milk and unsweetened tea.
#4 – …But don’t eat these foods
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There is also a list of foods to avoid to keep your mouth healthy. Too much sugar or acid can degrade your enamel, and foods that stick to your teeth are especially bad. This includes candies, breads, potato chips, and even bananas. Of course, soft drinks are a big no-no, as are drinks that are full of acid, like lemonade.
#3 – Keep your teeth white
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Aside from expensive whitening products, you can ensure your smile is bright with the right habits and foods. Fruits and veggies that scrub your teeth are great choices, like carrots, broccoli and cauliflower, while strawberries and oranges polish the surface. Avoid beverages like coffee, tea and red wine to reduce the opportunity for stains. If you must drink them, try using a straw so the liquid bypasses your teeth.
#2 – Try some home remedies
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Your kitchen and bathroom cupboards are full of things you can use for your teeth: you can rinse daily with an equal parts mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water for a brighter smile. Try making your own toothpaste from baking soda and water, or you can gargle with apple cider vinegar as a whitening agent. Some people even think gargling with warm sesame oil can prevent gum disease!
#1 – See your dentist
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Nothing beats the professionals, so in addition to a great daily dental hygiene routine, be sure to visit your dentist at least once every six months. He or she can keep an eye out for tooth decay, gum disease or other oral problems, and can clean in all the hard-to-reach places you might be missing. What are your favorite tips to keeping your teeth healthy? For make health advice, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com. (This video is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. Always seek the advice of your health care provider.)
