Basic Guide to Oral Hygiene

Some health problems are unavoidable, but poor dental health is not one of them. Preventing tooth decay and cavities is really pretty simple if you just follow this basic guide to oral hygiene. We all know that we should brush and floss, but you may be a bit fuzzy on the details. Here is a guide to clear up any confusion and make sure that you are taking excellent care of your teeth.
How to Brush Your Teeth Develop a routine and commit to it. You just need to make it a habit that you practice regularly, like taking your medicine or even checking your email. Decide that you will do it every day as soon as you wake up and every night before you go to bed. Follow a pattern. If you start in the same spot in your mouth and follow a pattern of cleaning, you will make sure that all of your teeth get clean. Start in the back of your mouth with the molars, which are typically the hardest to reach. Then work your away around your mouth. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and press gently. There is no need to push hard against the teeth. Gently scrub the front of the teeth in a circular motion. Be sure to brush the gum line, too, as this is where gingivitis lives. Slowly work your way around your mouth. After you have brushed the front of all of your teeth, brush the back side of the teeth while holding the toothbrush at the same 45-degree angle. Next, brush the chewing surface of the teeth. You should also brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth since they harbor the bacteria that causes plaque. Everyone should brush their teeth at least twice per day. How to Floss Your Teeth Use a piece of dental floss that is about 18 – 24 inches long. Wrap each end of the floss around one of your index fingers. Gently move the floss back and forth between your teeth. Start in the same place each time and work your way around your mouth, just like you do when you brush your teeth. As you use a portion of floss, unwrap it from your finger to reveal a new, clean section of floss to use on the next teeth. Everyone should floss at least once a day. How to Build Strong Teeth through a Healthy Diet
Besides brushing and flossing, you can take care of your teeth by following a healthy, anti-cavity diet. A healthy diet makes your teeth stronger and less susceptible to damage from bacteria.
Teeth are a type of bone, and bones need plenty of calcium to stay strong. Teeth need lots of calcium when they are forming, but they also need sufficient calcium after they are fully developed. Some people worry about how to get sufficient calcium without getting too much fat. There are many low-fat, high-calcium foods, including skim dairy products like milk and yogurt, dark, leafy greens, and fortified orange juice.
Vitamin D is also important because it helps your body absorb calcium. The best way to get Vitamin D is to spend about 15 minutes out in the sunshine each day.
Have you had a dental checkup in the last six months? If not, you should call the office of Dr. TJ Bolt to make an appointment. Regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining the health of your mouth and body, so call Dr. Bolt’s office to schedule an appointment today.