If you think you are doing everything possible to keep your teeth healthy and bright, are you doing this important step? Many people do not think about what they can be doing in the time in between brushing their teeth. That time is the most crucial, however, because that is when you are eating and drinking. Find out what this important step is and how to easily complete it in the article below!
We all know that you have to brush your teeth twice a day, every day to maintain a healthy smile, but this may not be enough if you want to protect your pearly whites forever…
Particularly if you want to stave off gum disease, which can not only lead to oral health complications including tooth loss and bad breath, but has also been liked to heart disease and diabetes.
Well, according to dental expert Dr Milad Shadrooh, the key to protecting your teeth and avoiding gum disease is to incorporate a simple second step into your oral hygiene routine after brushing, one that many of us forget: interdental cleaning.
‘It’s basically cleaning in-between the teeth, to get to the parts that brushing misses,’ he told the Huffington Post.
‘The most well-known technique is flossing, but there are also small interdental brushes which can be highly effective at dislodging the plaque that can build up in these spaces.’
As Dr Shadrooh notes, many of us are put off by fiddly floss, so he recommends investing in an interdental brush instead.
‘In my opinion, a fantastic alternative [to traditional floss] and the one I use is the Philips Sonicare AirFloss Pro,’ he said.
‘It’s a great device for making daily interdental cleaning part of everyone’s routine, because it is so quick and easy to use. Press a button, power floss for 60 seconds, and with that alone you are helping to significantly improve your oral health.’
However, speaking to Prima.co.uk, Professor Damien Walmsley, the British Dental Association’s scientific adviser, explained that interdental brushes might not be suitable for everyone…
‘Small interdental brushes are preferable for cleaning the area in between the teeth, where there is space to do so,’ he said. ‘Use floss if the spaces between your teeth are too tight for the interdental brushes to fit without hurting or causing harm.
‘Use a brush that’s appropriate for the size of the space between your teeth, as advised by your dentist,’ he added. ‘Insert the brush gently between your teeth don’t try to force it into the space, and work your way around all the teeth in a systematic manner.’
Whether you use an interdental brush or old-fashioned floss, make sure you’re cleaning between those teeth!
Related: 25 mistakes youre making with your oral health
Every day, knowingly or unknowingly, you may be making several lifestyle mistakes that result in tooth and gum decay. Click through to learn about some of those mistakes and ways to keep those pearly whites healthy.
To save time during the morning rush hour, brushing teeth while taking a shower or while checking mail on the mobile is a common practice these days. Better to avoid this habit because it does not do a proper job. Rather stand in front of a mirror and make sure that the brush hits all the corners of your mouth for a thorough cleansing.
Sodas, even the diet ones, are acidic in nature and erode tooth enamel in the long run. The sugar content present in them could result in cavities. So, cut down on such beverages as much as possible and replace them with water.
Just like bones, our teeth also require sufficient quantities of calcium and minerals to maintain their strength and density as we age. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, adult women need 1,000-1,200 milligrams of calcium and 400-1,000 IU (international units) of vitamin D per day from food, sunlight and supplements.
Whether homemade or bought off the shelves, everyone loves juices these days. But just like soda, fresh juices bathe your mouth with corrosive acids, while the sweetened ones could cause cavities. So, dont forget to brush or at least rinse your mouth after every glass of the fruity drink.
Many of us believe that the harder the toothbrush bristles, the more efficient they are in removing plaque. However, hard bristles also lead to erosion of tooth enamel and exposure of nerve endings. Always go for soft or extra-soft brushes to keep your teeth clean.
You get all sorts of tips and health guides on social media. However, it is advisable to avoid them because they arent government-approved products and methods, and they may actually harm your teeth. Better visit a dentist than practicing DIY dental tips.
Tongue or lip piercings can lead to fractured or chipped teeth from biting on the piercings. They can also cause soft-tissue injuries and gum recessions. Get rid of those piercings for good and try out other fashion instead.
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, other than bad breath and stained teeth, smoking increases the risk of developing gum diseases. And in case you already have a gum disease, nicotine inhaled while smoking compromises the body’s ability to fight the infection and heal.
Packing your toothbrush in a case while traveling is a common practice. Just make sure that your brush is completely dry before packing, as bacteria tends to thrive on moist surfaces, which could later cause gum infection.
Many of us have the habit of clenching our teeth or grinding our jaw while sleeping. If proper steps are not taken, this can lead to chipped and worn teeth, headaches, jaw trouble, and even changes in facial appearance. Visit your dentist as soon as possible or use a mouth guard to protect yourself from additional damage.
Those who once had braces are recommended by orthodentists to continue wearing retainers for several nights a week to keep their teeth from shifting. For those with fixed retainers, make sure to keep the device clean, as they can become plaque traps.
Going overboard with bleaching could erode tooth enamel and expose the dentin layer beneath, which gives your teeth a shabby look. It’s best to consult your dentist for the best way to get shining teeth, and using bleaching agents in moderation.
Many people discount flossing the back teeth as it requires lot of patience and time. However, these teeth are more vulnerable to plaque buildup, which may later cause tartar, leading to cavity. So, don’t neglect them!
The market is flooded with cosmetic rinses that just control bad breath and leave a fresh taste in the mouth. Always reach for therapeutic rinses that contain ingredients like antimicrobial agents and fluoride, and help in fighting gingivitis, cavities, plaque, as well as bad breath.
We all love to start our day with a glass of fresh orange juice, but remember not to brush your teeth immediately after. The acidic content of the juice weakens the tooth enamel, which can get eroded if brushed immediately. Either neutralize the acids by drinking milk or water, or simply wait for 30 minutes before brushing.
Snapping the floss down between your teeth could leave you with cut gums, and can even cause your gums to recede. Always slide the floss back and forth gently instead of moving it down to the gums. Also try waxed dental floss or tapes for easy sliding between closely set teeth.
Bleeding gums are a sign of gum disease, many a time exaggerated by the buildup of plaque between the teeth. It is recommended that you still continue because with the plaque’s removal, the swelling and bleeding will stop over time.
Dentists recommend regular flossing not just to remove stuck food particles from between the teeth, but also to remove the accumulated plaque. If the plaque is left for too long, it becomes tartar a hard substance which would need a dentist’s expertise to remove.
Nobody likes dentist appointments but avoiding them is not going to resolve your oral health issues. Also, when you go to a dentist after a long time, you’re likelier to need to go through intensive treatment. Its better not to skip dental visits and keep the problems in control.
We all know that drinking water is good for health but what we dont know is that the fluoride present in it helps keep your teeth healthy. Moreover, when you drink enough water, it rinses away accumulated sugars and acids from your mouth.
Are you worried about the cleanliness of your toothbrush and put it through dishwasher or microwave to disinfect it? Dont, because it may damage your brush. Simply rinse, let it dry and put it upright in the stand. Also, make sure it doesnt come in contact with anyone elses brush. If you are still wary, just change your brush.
Some studies show the possible link between dental x-rays and benign brain tumors. If you are avoiding x-rays due to this, please dont because not everything can be identified with a visual examination. Better, speak with your dentist to find ways to minimize the number of x-rays you might need.
Using wooden toothpicks to remove food particles stuck between teeth may damage your teeth and gums. If you care for a healthy mouth, use dental floss. Theres no substitute for it.
Brushing side to side? Stop doing that, as it may weaken the enamel of your teeth. Always hold the brush so the bristles are at a 45-degree angle to the surface of the teeth, and move it in small circles. After the circles, clean the gum line to remove the loosened plaque and bacteria.
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