How to Create a Tooth Care Regimen

Did you know that toothpaste has been used since at least 500 B.C.?

We’ve come a long way from iron rust and coral powder to clean our teeth. But some people still aren’t sure how to take proper care of their oral hygiene.

Tooth care doesn’t have to be complicated or even time-consuming. It’s simply a matter of brushing, flossing, scraping, using mouth wash, eating well, and visiting your dentist.

We’re going to tell you all about how those things lead to better oral hygiene. Keep reading for more.

Brushing Your Teeth

There are two ways that brushing your teeth is part of tooth care. First, cleaning where your teeth and gums meet prevents gum disease. Second, cleaning the surface of your tooth prevents cavities.

To brush your teeth, hold your brush at 45 degrees and pointed towards the gums. Brush from top to bottom and every surface of the tooth.

Brushing your teeth twice a day is best. And a good brushing takes about two minutes.

Flossing Is an Important Part of Tooth Care

Bacteria live in the spaces between your teeth. You can’t get at that with a toothbrush. Instead, you need to floss.

Softly glide the floss between your teeth and up to the gum. Curve it against one tooth in a c-shape. Repeat that motion for the other tooth.

You should be flossing your teeth once per day. And don’t forget the teeth at the back of your mouth, where you do the majority of chewing.

Scraping Your Tongue for Better Oral Health

While we all know that brushing and flossing are important, did you know it’s also important to scrape your tongue? That’s because bacteria build up on your tongue. When you eat or drink with that buildup, you’re ingesting those bacteria.

Scraping your tongue is an important part of oral hygiene. You can simply brush over your tongue with a toothbrush or buy a tongue scraper that’s made for this job.

Mouth Wash and Oral Hygiene

Mouth wash is formulated with bacteria-killing agents. It’s best to use mouth wash after you’ve brushed, flossed, and scraped, so it can wash away any of the bacteria left in your mouth from those activities.

Take a cap-size amount of mouthwash and swish it for 30 to 40 seconds before spitting it out. 

Dietary Impact on Tooth Care

If you want to protect your teeth in the long run, avoid sugary foods and drinks. Sugar molecules combine with saliva and bacteria in your mouth which causes plaque. Plaque is a big problem when it comes to tooth care.

Plaque builds up on our teeth. Over time, it dissolves the enamel and causes cavities and tooth decay.

See Your Dentist Regularly

Going to the dentist regularly is an important part of your tooth care. You should be seeing your dentist once every six months for a checkup.

That checkup entails cleaning which gets at the parts of your teeth you can’t get at with a brush, floss, and scraper. The other important aspect of a check-up is the diagnostic of what’s going on with your oral health, so you can catch any problems before they even start.

More On Your Health

Tooth care isn’t difficult. It simply means taking the time to brush, floss, scrape, and use mouthwash on a regular basis. With that and regular visits to the dentist, your oral hygiene will be excellent.

And for more on things that keep you well, check out our health blog regularly.