Dental hygiene is just as important as regular hygiene. If you don’t take good care of your teeth, you’re going to start to have more and more problems later in life. Cavities and gingivitis can be serious problems. Here’s what you need to keep them clean now – so you don’t have to worry when you’re an adult.
A Routine
Consistency is the most important thing when it comes to maintaining yourself. Small, constant work will get you much farther than lots of work all at once – you can’t brush your teeth for an hour once a week and expect good results! Most dentists will advise that you brush your teeth twice a day and that you floss once a day. This way, you’re always fighting back the buildup of acids, plaque, and tartar that can cause tooth damage. You’ll also be strengthening your gums and keeping bits of food out of hard-to-reach places. As annoying as this routine can be, it’s essential to develop the habit early on.
The Right Tools
Everybody needs the basics. In most cases, that’s going to simply be a toothbrush, dental floss, and high-quality toothpaste. You also may want to think about mouthwash. The key is to use the right tools that are of the right kind of quality – any old toothbrush is better than nothing, but you might be surprised by the difference a nicer option can make. For example, an electric toothbrush can remove 20% more plaque than a normal toothbrush. If you have any other kinds of ongoing dental problems (braces, a retainer, etc.) you will want to make sure you have the tools to effectively clean your corrective gear.
A Good Diet
It’s hard to avoid food that is bad for teeth entirely. Especially in the U.S., inordinate amounts of sugar can be found in far more foods than you would think. There’s nothing wrong with sugar in moderation, but you should be careful. Sodas, sweetened drinks, candy, and desserts carry so much sugar that it can seriously damage your teeth if you’re not careful. Don’t eat any of these on a daily basis. On the occasion that you do, brush your teeth directly afterward.
Keeping your teeth clean definitely isn’t easy – but it is worth the effort. In five, ten, or fifteen years, you don’t want to have lost the ability to eat hard foods while expenses for corrective dental procedures pile up. Invest the time, effort, and money now to create the best smile that you possibly can.
Check out this article on why you should visit the dentist if you haven’t gone recently!