My-dental-health.com

Most of us tend to ignore our dental health without realizing that healthy gums reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dental infections also tend to spread to other parts of the body through various channels. While most of us think that we are doing a good job with a toothbrush, floss or tape actually we may be doing it the wrong way. There is a method to brushing teeth and flossing and doing it the wrong way may actually cause more harm than you think. Ideally, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day. In fact you need to brush teeth after every meal but that may not be always possible. The least you can do is to brush your teeth after breakfast and dinner and rinse your mouth thoroughly after in-between meals or snacking. Brushing removes plaque, which is basically a thin layer of bacteria that sticks to teeth. Thorough rinsing immediately after a meal or snacking removes food particles that may still be loosely stuck in the crevices between teeth. Dental health is all about preventing bacteria to cause harm to your gums. The saliva in your mouth has a high concentration of calcium and phosphorus ions, the very stuff that teeth are made of, and also an effective first-aid fluid. Although it can take care of minor problems, our dietary habits can greatly affect dental health. Dental health is not only about cleaning teeth one way or the other it is also about eating properly and regular visits to a dentist.

The basic goal of brushing teeth is to remove bacteria-ridden plaque for avoiding cavity formation, massaging gums and maintain gum health. Your gums’ health depends upon proper brushing technique. The right way to brush teeth is through small circular motions using a soft toothbrush with the tips of the toothbrush placed at a 45 degree angle against the gum line. Use the same circular motion to clean the sides, chewing surface and backside of upper and lower teeth.

Change the position of the toothbrush when brushing the insides of upper or lower teeth. Give one/two gentle brush strokes to the tongue also and to ensure each and every healthy gum, floss once a day. Wind roughly 18 inches of floss around your middle fingers with at least one inch section free for flossing. Gently push the floss in between teeth and move the floss up and down the sides of the tooth and around the gum line.

Sugars and starches produce the most acid in your mouth. As much as possible, avoid eating sugary and starchy foods. Sugary snacks are the worst culprits that cause tooth decay. Starchy snacks like potato chips tend to stick to the teeth leading to excessive acid formation. If you must snack, to ensure healthy gums brush after snacking or at least thoroughly rinse your mouth using a dental solution and if nothing is available then with water.