Taking care of your teeth
You wake up every morning and brush your teeth as part of your daily ritual and probably don't think about your teeth again until bedtime. But your mouth is a report card for overall health – and taking proper care of it will help you look and feel your best.
Poor oral health can lead to bad breath, cavities, gingivitis and serious infections. You can help prevent periodontal disease with a few simple steps:
- Visit your dentist twice a year
- Brush your teeth well twice a day
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Use a toothpaste containing fluoride
- Clean between your teeth with floss or interdental cleaner
- Stop smoking
- Throw away your toothbrush after using it for 3 months
Maintain a healthy diet
When you eat, food comes into contact with the plaque in your mouth. The plaque uses the sugar and starch to produce acids that can destroy the hard surface of your tooth. The more often you eat these foods and the longer they stay in your mouth, the more likely the damage.
Food that is eaten as part of a meal is less likely to cause harm to your teeth. During a meal, more saliva is released, which helps to reduce the effects of acid. If you do need a snack, choose foods such as raw vegetables, yoghurt or fruit.
Maintain good oral care routine
Select toothpaste that contains fluoride, which helps to protect teeth from gum decay. Brush your teeth thoroughly, taking 3-4 minutes to remove food particles and plaque.
Begin brushing at the back of one side of your mouth. Place your toothbrush so the bristles are touching the gum line and slightly tilt the toothbrush so the bristles can roll over and under the gum. Gently clean the gums with several strokes. Then, roll the brush bristles towards the edge of the tooth.
Next, brush the front of each tooth. Then clean the inside of your teeth and the biting surfaces of your teeth. Finally, brush your tongue.
Follow one of your daily brushings with a dental floss routine, then use an anti-plaque mouth rinse to wash away food particles, reduce plaque and prolong fresh breath.
