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Dental care routines vary amongst individuals, but most people follow the same basic guidelines. There are only so many ways to do the same thing, so bear in mind that small variations to our recommended plan are probably acceptable. We say “probably” because you should ask your dentist to be sure. With that in mind, here is a basic dental care routine that will work for everyone.
Brushing
You already know that you need to brush your teeth every day. In fact, the American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth twice a day every day. We will be using this article as our chief source of information.
It is important to use fluoride toothpaste, as none of the alternatives have proven to be as effective for the prevention of cavities. Duration will also make a difference, so make sure you brushing phase is at least two minutes long. As for what type of toothbrush you should use, it is best to choose something with longer, stiffer bristles. Some people also prefer the use of an electric toothbrush.
Flossing
Everyone knows how to use dental floss. You simply wrap it around your fingers and put it between your teeth. However, there are other ways of cleaning the debris from between your teeth. A lot of people like water picks, although they are a little bit expensive. These little tools use a pressurized jet of water to clean the gaps between your teeth. There are also various flossing tools that exist, which will save you the trouble of winding the string on your fingers. Some people even prefer to use a toothpick as their primary tool.
Dietary Considerations
Your dietary choices will also influence the health of your teeth. For one thing, sugary foods do tend to have a corrosive effect on the teeth. It’s not something that you will see right away, but sugary foods have been proven to be bad for your teeth over time. Acidic drinks and foods are also hard on the teeth, and can even wear down the protective enamel layer. When this happens, tooth decay will usually follow.
To be fair, you don’t have to avoid these things entirely. A can of soda or a piece of candy here and there isn’t going to make all your teeth rot from your head. However, regular consumption of these foods is another matter. When you do consume something that is a little harder on your teeth, it wouldn’t hurt to brush or at least give them a quick water rinse.
Periodic Checkups
To ensure that your dental health routine is working, you need the opinion of a qualified dentist. You should try to see your dentist as regularly as you can, especially if you have problems that need to be corrected. Besides, it also helps to schedule a deep cleaning from time to time. Obviously, a professional will have access to the very best cleaning tools, so it never hurts to avail yourself of that. In the end, the main reason to see your dentist regularly is this: If you do have a dental problem, the damage can always be minimized by catching the problem early.
Corrective Options
If you haven’t taken good care of your teeth, and it’s too late for prevention, you might want to consider some corrective options. There are several effective ways to replace missing teeth. Dental implants are definitely the best, but not everyone can afford them. Teeth whitening procedures are effective, but can sometimes be very abrasive on the teeth and cause more damage in the long run. Another good possibility to consider is the use of porcelain dental veneers. This is basically a porcelain coating on your teeth, similar to a tooth cap in some ways. When installed correctly, these can do a lot to prolong the life of your teeth.
Conclusion
In the end, dental care really isn’t a complicated thing. There are a lot of options, but it all comes down to proper brushing, regular and thorough flossing, avoiding the over-consumption of certain things, and getting periodic dental checkups. We hope that this guide will help you to preserve your teeth well into old age.
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