Like it or not, first impressions are important, particularly the warmth of a smile, in which your teeth play a crucial role. Your smile can be a big asset, portraying personal confidence, so it pays to look after those incisors, canines, premolars and molars.
Regular check-ups at the dentist will help to ensure your smile keeps on shining but you can also do a lot yourself to keep your teeth and gums in good shape, which will not only make you look good but boost your overall well being.
So, with the help of Kitchener dentist Lancaster Dental, which has been serving the community since 1978, let’s look at how you can establish an effective oral healthcare routine at home…
Choosing Your Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Your toothbrush is your best friend when it comes to dental healthcare at home, but so many different types are available that choosing the one that’s right for you can be confusing.
A soft-bristled brush will efficiently remove plaque, the tacky film that builds up on your teeth and contains millions of bacteria, whereas a hard-bristled brush can wear down your teeth and damage the gums. Choose a toothbrush that fits your mouth comfortably while enabling you to get access to all your teeth.
Keeping your teeth in a sound condition requires thorough brushing – those teeth at the back may be harder to get at but they are just as important as the more accessible ones. How you store your toothbrush is important. Get into the habit of keeping the brush with its bristles up so it can dry naturally, preventing the formation of bacteria.
When choosing your toothpaste, look for brands that include fluoride to help prevent cavities. If you have bad breath or gum problems, pick a toothpaste with triclosan to kill bacteria. Avoid toothpastes containing a lot of harsh chemicals and artificial flavors colours or flavors.
Sensitivity, Flossing and Inter-dental Cleaners
If particularly hot or cold food or drinks are painful to consume, consider using a toothpaste specially designed for sensitive teeth, but if the discomfort persists you should contact Lancaster Dental, your Kitchener dentist. Sensitivity of teeth intensifies as people get older, so, if you are 50 or above you should rinse your mouth with a non-alcoholic wash. Whatever your age, use a mouthwash containing fluoride at least twice a day.
It’s advisable to floss your teeth at least once a day. Take a piece about 24 inches long so you have a clean section as you proceed from tooth to tooth. Wrap a long piece of the floss around a finger of one hand and a small length around a finger of the other hand. Move the floss back and forth against the side of each tooth.
It’s worth considering the use of an inter-dental brush in your daily oral healthcare schedule. These small, disposable brushes are specially designed for cleaning the areas between your teeth where a regular toothbrush won’t reach, helping to prevent cavities, gum inflammation and bad breath. They are also useful for people with dental braces. Lancaster Dental, your Kitchener dentist, recommends Stim-U-Dent and Oral-B inter-dental brushes.
Oral hygiene is vital to your overall health – as well as your winning smile – so, if you have any questions or concerns about how to look after your teeth and gums properly, contact Lancaster Dental and remember: smile and the world smiles with you!
