Oral Health

TAKING CARE OF YOUR TEETH

We all need to take care of our teeth . I learned that the hard way, along time ago. Back then, I felt like I didn’t need to pay close attention to my teeth. If I brushed on a daily and used mouthwash, everything would be fine. I found out differently.

MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

I went in and found out that I had a few cavities. This explained why my mouth became so sensitive. It was bleeding all the time. Well, not all the time, but a good portion of the time. I’m sure many of you can relate to the pain I felt.

I got the necessary treatment I need and learned a few things at the same time. I am passing this information on to you my dear readers.

1) Always brush twice a day. I don’t care if you are tired and cranky at night. Brush your teeth. You don’t realize how much dirt and foot particles can build up in the mouth. The particles like to lie between the teeth. You need to get at them.

2) Floss your mouth. Try to do this about once a day. I sometimes do it only once every other day. Try to avoid this. I am still learning on this one. Even if your mouth seems fine and not sensitive at all, still floss.

3) Use mouthwash after flossing. Use it once a day or every other day. Don’t over use it. I have done this before and it made the situation worse. Mouthwash is only there to clean the extra spaces that are left behind. It’s not meant to be a substitute for brushing or flossing.

4) Most toothpaste already has the necessary ingredients, like fluoride, already in there. Don’t buy a toothpaste which has the extra fluoride listed. Fluoride is good, but too much is bad. Too much will ruin your teeth. Any dentist will tell you that.

5) If you can, try and visit a dentist regularly. The normal recommendation is every six months. If you can’t afford that, do it when you have the money.

6) Try to avoid the teeth whitening strips. Your teeth are supposed to have a very vague yellowish color to them. That’s normal. This really bright color is not.