Overlooked Dental Care Tips Everyone Can Use

For most of your life, you've been told to brush your teeth twice a day to maintain good oral health. While this is a great foundation, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to talking care of your mouth, teeth and gums. Familiarizing yourself with some of the often overlooked components of dental care can help ensure your smile remains beautiful and healthy.

Don't Brush Right After Eating

When brushing your teeth, make certain you aren't brushing immediately after you eat. Some people are under the impression that brushing right away prevents food particles and bacteria from affecting their teeth, but this isn't the case. Especially when it comes to consuming beverages or foods with high acidic levels, such as candy or fruit juice, don't brush right away.

The acid in these food products weaken your enamel. If you start brushing when your teeth are already in a weakened state, overtime, this can cause enamel damage. If you've consumed food with high acid levels, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth.

Choose the Right Toothpaste

At each dental visit, your dentist will likely offer you feedback on any areas of concern. For example, you might have issues with staining, unpleasant breath odor or cavity concerns. In addition to following any suggested treatment methods your dentist prescribes, you should also consider choosing a toothpaste that works to combat these issues.

There are toothpaste options specially designed to reduce cavity risk, freshen breath and a number of other concerns. Using these options only helps combat the issue and restore your oral health. Make sure you are choosing a toothpaste that has been designed to work in your favor.

Use a Timer

Oral health professionals recommend that you brush your teeth for at least two minutes. This isn't just a number pulled from the sky, but this period is considered enough time to reach every area of your mouth sufficiently.

Most people would probably argue that they can accurately calculate two minutes. However, you might be surprised to discover that you're actually off in your calculations. You might want to consider using a timer when you brush your teeth. Failing to brush your teeth sufficiently leaves behind harmful bacteria that contributes to bad breath, gum diseases and cavities.

Make certain a dentist, like Simmons Craig A D D S, plays a large role in your oral health regimen. Between your at-home care and the care you receive from the dentist, you can ensure your oral health remains in good condition.