How to Take Care of Your Teeth

Good dental health starts with you and a regular oral hygiene. Taking care of your teeth and gums is essential to good oral health.When was the last time have you been to the dentist ?. Healthy mouth help us avoid losing teeth, wearing denture, painful and expensive cavities, bad breathe, gingivitis, plaque build up and other oral infections. Brushing, flossing, regular dental check  and healthy diet  are essential  for ones good hygiene.

1. Brushing - Always brush your teeth 2 to 3 times daily before bedtime and after every meal for no less than two minutes.Use toothpaste with  fluoride to help prevent cavities .A soft bristle toothbrush are the best, hard bristles causes irritation to the gums and enamel abrasion. Brush your tongue as well as your teeth to help eliminate mouth-borne bacteria.

2. Mouthwash -  It helps with oral health by killing bacteria that can cause bad breathe and plaque formation. Use alcohol free, clear mouthwash  to avoid dry mouth and teeth discoloration.

3. Flossing - Brushing can only clean the labial ang lingual side of the teeth but not the proximal. Use dental floss before or after brushing to  help remove food debris, plaque in between teeth and at the gum line where periodontal disease often begins.

4. Healthy Diet - Acidic foods such as carbonated soda,fruits, fruit juice, pickles, acid reflux  can cause enamel erosion,  sensitivity and discoloration. Make sure to brush your teeth afterwards. Fresh fruits like apples are good for the teeth because they help remove loose foods and clean the surface of your teeth. Make sure you are getting enough essential vitamins such as calcium and vitamins for a healthy gum and strong teeth . Vitamin C deficiency can cause periodontal (gum) disease.The average adult should get a minimum of 500 milligrams of calcium per day to ensure healthy teeth.Nuts, dairy foods and meats are all good dietary choices that can help strengthen enamel because of the calcium and vitamins they provide. Coffee and tea can cause teeth discoloration too so consider cutting back or quitting all together. .

5. Regular visit to the dentist - Brushing , flossing and mouth wash are not enough. A regular dental check up and teeth cleaning ( oral prophylaxis) every 6 months are needed to ensure a healthy oral cavity and caries free teeth.

Dental Care tips:

1. Replace your toothbrush every two to three months to ensure proper cleaning of the teeth and avoid bacterial accumulation. Bacteria  usually  comes from flushing the toilet, washing your hands, brushing your teeth.
2. Keep brushes at least 6 feet away from  the toilet  bowl. Water droplets are expelled into the toilet bowl into the air and affect toothbrush.
3. If you have a toothache, go to the dentist right away for immediate treatment. Ignoring this will lead to  infection  and inflammation. 
4. Children as young as six months old should  start seeing  a dentist  for check and a regularly appointment afterwards.
5. Tooth discoloration are caused by tobacco, cigarettes ,coffee, tea and drug.Regular brushing and cleaning by the dental hygienist every 6 months can avoid discoloration. If possible lessen the intake or quit all together.
6. Bad breathe or halitosis are caused by tooth decay, gum disease, food you eat, respiratory tract infection  and unhealthy life style such as smoking and tobacco chewing. If persistent bad breathe occurs seek dental and medical health immediately for treatment.
7. Without professional help, these common dental problems can lead to a host of serious health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
8. Cut too much sugar from your diet. Avoid eating too much sugar and too sweet drinks such as soda, sweetened tea, or fruit juice .It may not only cause teeth decay but can make you fat that will lead to another problem and expenses.