7 Steps to Proper Dental Hygiene ...

Proper dental hygiene starts with a good brush. My dentist suggests a medium sized head and soft bristles to avoid damage to your gums and the enamel on your teeth. You also want to be sure to get a new brush as soon as the bristles fray and after being sick. Most toothbrushes will last about 2 to 3 months. When was the last time you switched your tooth brush for a fresh one?

What about your toothpaste, is it helping your oral health? Toothpaste comes with all different ingredients to help to fight plaque, cover surface stains, strengthen enamel, and fight gingivitis. Be sure that your toothpaste works for your dental hygiene needs.

Mouthwash is just as important as brushing and flossing. An antibacterial mouthwash rinse can kill bacteria that gather along the gum line. Untreated, that bacteria can grow into gingivitis and lead to serious dental complications. If you don't floss you should consider using mouthwash. It isn't a substitute for flossing, but it is better than brushing alone.

How many times has your dentist told you how important it is to floss? I know flossing can literally be a pain, but the more you floss the less it will hurt. Waxed floss works wonders to get between tight-fitting teeth. Be honest, how often do you floss? I admit, I don't floss nearly as often as my dentist would like.

Still need more tips on dental hygiene? What do you know about fluoride? Your dentist may give you a fluoride treatment after cleaning your teeth. No, it’s not just some crazy way to torture you. It helps rebuild weak teeth and protect them from acids in the food we eat. Fluoride is sometimes added to city water and you can get it naturally from certain foods. Meat, fish, eggs, and tea are all common natural sources of fluoride.

When you brush your teeth, don’t forget to brush your tongue. Harmful bacteria can gather and breed on your tongue. This can lead to dental complications and horrible breath. Avoid all that by taking a few extra seconds and brushing your tongue.

Of course no list of dental hygiene tips would be complete without stressing the importance of visiting your dentist. I know going to the dentist can be very unnerving. Dentist anxiety is a pretty common thing, but going in for regular cleanings and x-rays is crucial to your oral health. You should go in for a cleaning every 6 months and follow up with any instructions your dentist gives you.Frequent dental visit will help prevent major oral problems or catch them before they get to big and painful. When was the last time you seen your dentist? If it has been more than 6 months now is a perfect time to make an appointment.

I hope these 7 tips on dental hygiene have really helped you. Following these tips will improve your oral health, give you strong teeth and a beautiful smile for years and years. Do you have any of your own tips on dental hygiene?