Dental care is considered a daunting task; however it has always been a part of personal hygiene. Maintaining good oral health should be done by every individual. It is not enough to say that you brush your teeth regularly. Brushing alone won’t be able to guarantee you that your mouth is getting the best care possible. In fact, Dr. Nigel Carter of the British Dental Health Foundation explained that only 60 percent of the total tooth surface is cleaned through brushing.
On the other hand, based on the Adult Dental Health Survey which was conducted in March 2011, although 75 percent of adults brush their teeth at least two times a day, only 22 percent of them use dental floss. Read on and find out more on how you can take care of your teeth and gums at home and with the help of dental professionals.
At-Home Dental Care Tips
1. Brushing and Flossing – it must be noted that brushing your teeth and using dental floss must always go together. Brushing will clean the teeth’s surface, while flossing will get rid of plaque which is hiding in between the teeth. Remember to make use of soft-bristled toothbrush. You must replace your toothbrush after every three months of use. Nowadays, you can purchase toothbrushes which have tongue scraper on them. This is to help you take care of your tongue too. Tongue scraping can remove any material, which has accumulated on your tongue, to avoid bad breath.
2. Mouthwash – Apart from brushing and flossing, it is also important to use a mouthwash. A mouthwash is usually blended with anti-bacterial ingredient which can help in preventing gum diseases and reducing plaque.
3. Gum Massage – Your teeth are not the only one which need dental care. In order to get stronger teeth, it is also important to massage your gums and the gum line. You may use a garlic paste and salt in massaging your gums. So never ignore your gums.
4. Proper Nutrition – There are people who have gum diseases and other dental problems because they do not realize the value of good nutrition. What you eat will either make your teeth stronger or cause tooth cavities and dental problems. With this, it is very important to choose what you eat. Take note that lettuce leaves, spinach leaves, fennel seeds, or coriander leaves can help you maintain a good oral health.
Getting the Best Care from Dental Professionals
Doing at-home dental care is indeed healthy. It can truly help you maintain a good oral health aside from the fact that it is cheaper than going to your dentist. However, it must be noted that visiting your dentist regularly is a must. You must remember that your dental health care provider has the needed skills and equipment to examine your dental health. Your dentist will also help in identifying dental problems as early as possible. He will also examine any signs or diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, or oral cancer.
Indeed, dental care is important. One must be concerned about his dental health. It will not only boost your confidence, it can also prevent more serious health problems.