It is not inevitable to have bad teeth. Unhealthy teeth is often a result of people ruining their teeth on their own. Read on to learn some healthy habits and tips that will assist you in avoiding tooth damage.
If you are over 50 years old, use mouthwashes that contain no alcohol. The gums and mouth of older adults are often sensitive, and this can be made worse by the alcohol’s tendency to burn and sting. The best thing to do is to use an alcohol free mouthwash that contains some fluoride. For best results, use it two times a day.
Make a point of keeping toothbrushes as hygienic as you possibly can. Always rinse out your toothbrush after each use; you can let it air dry, too. Then place it in a holder that separates it from all other toothbrushes and surfaces. Do not place it in any type of container, as this could encourage bacteria to grow. Change out your toothbrush regularly.
Dry Mouth
If you frequently have a dry mouth or bad breath, prescription medications could be the culprit. When your glands do not produce enough saliva, there is an increased likelihood that you will experience cavities and pain. Your dentist can help you confirm that your dry mouth is caused by medication. If it is caused by the medicine, then talk to your doctor about switching your medication. If it isn’t, your dentist might have some good dry mouth solutions.
Do not forget to brush your back teeth. Food tends to get stuck in your molars from chewing, so ignoring them during brushing can lead to problems like cavities. Avoid these problems by always brushing your back teeth as well.
Do not chew on ice. You must understand that when you chew ice, it can cause cracks in your teeth, which means that bacteria can enter easily and cause cavities and general tooth deterioration. Make sure not to chew on hard nuts or candy either, as both can cause the same damage that ice does. Make an appointment with your dentist if you suspect that you have cracked a tooth.
To see if you are brushing your teeth well, or long enough, try using disclosing tablets or mouthwash. Before brushing, chew the tablet or swish the wash around your mouth as directed. You’ll notice pink or blue marks on your teeth where you have missed spots when brushing. Only use these types of products if you’ve got the time to get rid of the traces. This is not something that you want to do right before you have to leave.
You should never use toothbrushes that have hard bristles. It makes root surfaces more open and and could actually make your gums recede. They can also wear down the actual structure of your teeth. It is always best to stick with a medium or soft bristle toothbrush to ensure you get the best results possible.
Teeth Whitening
See your dentist before using over the counter teeth whitening products. Often, these things weaken tooth enamel. Many can be used safely, but it is often difficult to know which products are safe and which are not. Get good advice from your dentist about the best product for teeth whitening for you.
Brushing your teeth once daily is not sufficient to keep your mouth healthy and clean. Bacteria has grown in your mouth during the night and needs to be removed in the morning. It is also equally important to brush in the evening so that you can eliminate all the food that you’ve consumed throughout the entire day.
Teeth usually can’t remain in perfect condition for our entire lives. However, we want to keep our teeth in the best shape we can as long as possible. Apply these suggestions to keep your teeth as healthy as possible for as long as you can.
