Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Brush Up on Your Dental Health

Brush Up on Your Dental Health
Dental health is an important part of your overall health. Daily brushing and flossing will greatly help with your health.

Your smile is your face to the world, and if you skip brushing and flossing, you could lose that. You need to know - or learn - how to protect your good dental health, and when you should report oral health issues to your dentist.

Good oral health begins with the cleanest teeth. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, Take your time when you brush, and do a thorough job.

Use a toothpaste with fluoride in it, and only use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Use a battery-operated or electric toothbrush if you have troubles brushing effectively, due to arthritis or some other reason.
Practice using good brushing techniques, to effectively clean your teeth.

Hold your toothbrush against your teeth at an angle, and brush with back and forth short motions. Brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth, and the inside of them as well. Brush your tongue too, to get rid of the bacteria that can flourish there.

Don't brush aggressively or harshly, because this can cause gum irritation.
Make sure to safeguard your dental health by replacing your toothbrush or head every three or four months. Don't be afraid to replace them sooner if the bristles are frayed.

You can't reach under your gumline or between your teeth with a brush, so you need to practice daily flossing, as well as brushing. You should also look into using an antiseptic or antimicrobial that can help you get rid of plaque between your teeth.

You can also use an oral irrigator for your dental health concerns. This device uses water aimed at your teeth to remove particles of food. Try not to use toothpicks or other sharp objects that might damage your teeth or gums.
To prevent the start of gum disease or other oral health issues, have your dentist's office perform regular examinations and cleanings, at least once a year.

Contact your dentist between appointments if you note any symptoms or signs of tooth decay, like sensitivity to cold or heat, changes in the way your teeth align with each other, loose teeth, gums that pull away from teeth or gums that bleed when you floss or brush.

There have been substantial improvements in the overall oral health for most of the people that live in the United States during the last century. Even so, the country spends about sixty billion dollars a year on dental services. This includes about five hundred million visits to the dentist.

The costs, both financial and that which includes mortality, indicate that we need to intervene and promote good dental health for all age groups. We need to prevent oral disease in all persons, of all ages, for the entire span of their lives.

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