Keeping your teeth clean

Keeping your teeth clean

Most teens know that brushing and flossing can prevent cavities, but did you know that brushing it very hard will tear the surface of your teeth and can damage the enamel of your teeth? Keep reading to learn more about your dental health and why it is important to take care of your teeth and gums.Why is it important to brush your teeth?

 
Brushing and cleaning teeth with dental floss eliminates bacterial plaque, which is the main cause of tooth decay and gum disease. 
What is oral health?
Oral health (also known as dental health) is the care you give your mouth including your teeth, gums and tongue. 
What are bacterial plaque and tartar?
Bacterial plaque is the crushing of food that covers the teeth. If bacterial plaque is not removed every day when brushing your teeth, it may harden and become tartar. Tartar is a hard sediment that forms on the teeth and is harder to remove than plaque, but it can be removed during a visit to the dentist. If bacterial plaque is not removed, it can cause gum disease.How often should I brush my teeth?
You should brush your teeth at least twice a day for 2 minutes; once after breakfast and again at night before going to sleep. It is better to brush your teeth after each meal.How should I brush my teeth?
You can use a watch with a second hand to help you get used to brushing your teeth for 2 minutes (every time you brush your teeth). Do not forget to brush your teeth and the gum lines.

    Use a soft bristle toothbrush (regular or battery operated).
    Brush gently. Brushing too hard can remove the surface of the tooth.
    Brush the inside and outside surfaces of your teeth.
    Brush the areas on the lines of your gums where your teeth border the gums.
    Do not forget to brush your tongue every day too! This helps eliminate the food that stays stuck, the bacteria and helps keep your breath fresh!
what causes bad breath?
Bad breath occurs when food gets stuck between your teeth. When the food is crushed, this releases bacteria. This bacterium is the one that has the bad smell and causes bad breath. Smoking also causes bad breath. 
Why is flossing important?
Cleaning your teeth daily with silk, or thread, dental is as important as brushing your teeth. Actually flossing removes the bacterial plaque that is in the gum line and between your teeth, areas that the toothbrush does not reach. Here are some of the reasons why cleaning with dental floss is important.

    Cleaning with dental floss helps eliminate bad breath.
    Cleaning with dental floss removes food particles that are between the teeth that the toothbrush can not eliminate.
    Flossing helps prevent cavities and gum disease by removing bacterial plaque.
What can I do to prevent bad breath?
Most teens do not know that using mints and mouthwash is just a temporary way to control bad breath. Rinse your mouth with water after brushing and cleaning your teeth with dental floss can be really more effective. In most cases, bad breath can only be improved if you continue with your dental hygiene and do not smoke.

    Brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes twice a day; after breakfast and before going to sleep.
    Clean your teeth with dental floss every day.
    Brush your tongue This will eliminate most bacteria that causes bad breath.
    Do not smoke or chew tobacco. Smoking produces bad breath and can lead to some disease in the gums. Smoking and chewing tobacco also puts you at risk for getting oral cancer.
    If you can not brush after each meal, chewing sugar-free gum can help eliminate food left behind after eating
Remember these important tips and visit your dentist for regular check-ups and dental cleanings every 6 months.

Share this

Share on FacebookPlus on Google+