Teeth and Personality
Ignoring the problems of our teeth can have a great impact on our personality. It is not just your teeth that need attention; problems with your gums can cause just as much damage in your mouth. Neglected teeth decay, fall out and have to be replaced by false ones. The gums can suffer too if you do not clean your teeth properly.
Regular Visit to Dentists
Get into the habit of visiting your dentist for a check-up every six months. Your dentist will be able to spot any possible problems at an early stage and prevent them becoming painful or serious.
Proper Brushing of Teeth
Any particles of food left on your teeth will encourage bacteria. A thin film of food particles and bacteria called plaque can soon cover your teeth and start the process of tooth decay. Brushing your teeth helps clean away plaque. Brush all those surfaces of your teeth; the back, front and biting surfaces. Brush downwards on the upper teeth and upwards on the lower teeth. Use small, circular movements on the biting surfaces. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head which can reach into the corners of your mouth and which would not be too hard on your gums.
The gums can suffer too if you do not clean your teeth properly. Healthy gums are pink and moist. If your gums look red and swollen, it means you should be extra careful to clean the areas where your gums meet your teeth.
Use of Dental Floss
Dental floss is a special thread which you pull through the gaps between your teeth. This removes any food particles which may be stuck there. To floss, wrap a length of floss about 40 centimeters long around each middle finger. Guide the floss between two teeth and pull it up and down, cleaning the sides of both teeth and the areas around the gum line.
Fluoride Toothpaste
Use toothpaste with added fluoride. Fluoride is a chemical which protects teeth. It hardens the enamel. Make sure you use toothpaste with fluoride added. Mouthwash is a mild antiseptic that you rinse around your mouth and spit out. Using mouthwash is refreshing, but the effect does not last long, and it cannot cure bad breath or clean your teeth the lazy way.
Calcium Rich Diet
A healthy diet is as important to your teeth as cleaning them. Your teeth need mineral called calcium to harden and protect them. Calcium is found in meat, fish, milk and cheese, so make sure you eat a good selection of these foods on a regular basis. Sugar is the greatest enemy of your teeth. It combines with the bacteria in your mouth to produce plaque.
