Someone in our family has yelled at us to brush our teeth at
some point in life. Whether it was a mom, dad or grandparent, we’ve been
instructed to brush our teeth daily. For most, it’s routine in the morning and
evening, and for others who are more obsessed, it occurs after each meal (which
isn’t a bad habit). However, just having the routine of brushing twice a day
isn’t enough to know for good, oral health. You need to know more.
Let’s cover several tips about brushing and flossing so you
can increase your oral health, avoid those horrid cavities and maintain overall
health. Here they are:
- When you brush in the morning and evening, don’t rush the process. I typically fly through my brushing routine so I can either get out the door or get into bed, but I’ve been told this isn’t good for my gums or teeth. Slow down, be gentle and pay attention.
- Check your toothbrush. Is it worn out? How long have you been using it? Go ahead and toss that toothbrush out if you can’t remember when you last replaced it. Always have a good toothbrush handy.
- It’s all about technique, which goes back to the issue of time—if you are moving too fast then you won’t have good technique. Brush at an angle and don’t brush too hard. If you do, you’ll irritate your gums and you don’t want to do that.
- When you finish brushing, place your toothbrush in a clean area without cover. Covering your toothbrush can lead to a buildup of bacteria and make you sick over time. No one wants to be sick, so just leave that toothbrush in the open to dry.
- Hate to floss? I do, but it’s extremely necessary. I used to get cavities all the time and had to have them filled every time I visited the dentist. Then I started flossing and I don’t have cavities. It works.
- Make flossing easier by picking up some flossing picks at a local store. Flossing picks (or whatever they are named) are incredibly easy to use and don’t require long strands of floss wrapped around your fingers to floss. Find them and buy them. They will encourage you to floss because they’re so easy to use.
So, do you understand what you need to do? I hope so. Then
go forth, take these tips and remember to slow down, brush gently, and floss as
much as possible. Keeping your oral health in good shape will keep your overall
health where it needs to be. Your health is all connected, so don’t let one
portion be neglected. And if you need more advice and help, contact a dentist.
