Written By Finnegan Pierson / Reviewed By Ray Spotts
When you were a kid, you probably got a lot of instruction and reminders about good oral hygiene from your parents, teachers, and dentist. As an adult, you probably receive fewer reminders. This is unfortunate because, as you age, your risk of losing your permanent teeth increases. While some serious oral health issues cause pain, this isn't always the case.
Here are some timely reminders about oral hygiene basics to help you avoid serious dental issues.
Mouthwash
Mouthwash is usually more of a cosmetic product to make your breath smell fresher. There are also therapeutic mouthwash products that help to kill germs and prevent plaque buildup. However, even a therapeutic mouthwash isn't a substitute for brushing and flossing.
At most, it can help them work more effectively. It may enhance the benefits that you get from flossing and brushing, but you won't get the same results from mouthwash alone.
Why does mouthwash burn? It's usually because of the chemicals used to kill germs, such as hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, or flavors used to give it a fresh taste, such as essential oils of eucalyptus and peppermint. Some ingredients, such as menthol, are included for both flavoring and purported germ-killing properties.
Flossing
When you eat, food particles can get stuck in the spaces between the teeth, so deeply that even your toothbrush may not reach far enough to get them out. Trapped food particles provide nourishment for bacteria that cause plaque buildup and tooth decay.
Mouthwash does nothing to remove trapped food particles either. The only way to do so effectively is by flossing. Therefore, it is one of the most important things you can do for your overall oral health.
Because flossing is so effective, you only have to do it once a day. However, you have to take your time and make sure to get the floss in all the spaces between the teeth. You should also use at least 18 inches of floss at a time. This allows you to unwind fresh floss from your finger as you move from tooth to tooth.
Flossing can be uncomfortable, but there are products you can use to make it easier on your gums. People who find floss difficult to manage can use interdental cleaners that produce similar effects and are a little bit easier to handle.
Brushing
You should brush your teeth twice a day, in the morning and in the evening. If possible, you should try not to brush immediately after eating, but this may be difficult if you are in a hurry in the morning. When you brush, try to aim the bristles toward the point where the teeth meet the gums. This is where plaque is most likely to form.
Protect your delicate gums by using a soft-bristle brush. Brush your teeth on all sides and don't rush. A thorough toothbrushing job should take about two minutes. Keep your toothbrush clean by rinsing it after use. Store it open to the air to prevent mold growth, but keep it separate from other toothbrushes. Replace it every three months.
Dental Cleanings and Exams
A professional dental cleaning goes deeper to remove more plaque and tartar. A fluoride treatment uses a greater concentration than that contained in your toothpaste or mouthwash, meaning that the effects can last longer. During a dental exam, the dentist checks for any cavities or other dental problems that may require restorative work.
If you have pain or other symptoms of dental issues, you should make an appointment with the dentist right away for diagnosis and treatment options. However, even in the absence of symptoms, you should generally have routine cleanings and examinations once every six months.
Your dentist will inform you whether you should keep to this schedule or have exams more frequently or less frequently. If your oral health is better than average, you may only need cleanings once a year.
Looking for a 100% all-natural liquid tooth oil and mouth rinse? Check out OraMD Original Strength and OraMD Extra Strength. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral health and skincare. If you are looking for more health resources make sure to check out the Trusted Health Resources list.
Written By:
Finnegan Pierson loves business and has a passion for Health and technology. Even more interesting is the combination of the two. As a freelance writer, Finn hopes to influence others so they can have positive life experiences.
Reviewed By:
Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.
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