Staying healthy for a long time is a goal for many and dental hygiene is one of the key aspects of doing so. It not only boosts your self-esteem and makes you feel confident, but also gives you an idea of what’s going on along with your body. It might be the case that you just can’t afford the local dentist visit every month, so you’ll need to shop around for an inexpensive option.
You know what they say: if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. Another option for saving long term dentistry costs is to learn about caring for teeth yourself. If this is a serious enough passion of yours you may be able launch a career from it by completing dental assistant programs and other certification programs.
But even basic knowledge goes a long way with dental care. Sadly, you’d be surprised at how many people don’t really know much about their teeth other than the importance of flossing.
There are other things you can do to maintain dental hygiene:
1. Limit foods that cause acidity and contain high sugar
When it comes to dental hygiene, sugar has been considered a menace for long. Eating foods that contain a high amount of sugar can damage your teeth and make them weak. If you just can’t resist sugary foods, it’s recommended to consume them with other items and wash your mouth right after.
Similarly, acidic foods are also dangerous. The Academy of General Dentistry surveyed 700 dentists, and one-third of them said that food and beverages that cause acidity are one of the main contributors towards teeth sensitivity. High acidic foods are sugary drink, chips, cookies and mostly foods that are processed.
2. Keep oral health in check
Chances are you’re already brushing twice a day. However, for some individuals, giving it a third go after lunch can be useful. When brushing, you’re recommended to take it slow and make sure it’s a thorough process rather than trying to get it over as soon as possible.
If you suffer from arthritis or some other orthopedic problem that prevents you from brushing properly with a manual toothbrush, you can look into an electric toothbrush. Try to get the bristles in the area where the gums meet the teeth. Back and forth motions work best, and don’t forget the chewing surface and your tongue while brushing. Don’t place the cap on the brush always, as keeping it covered most of the time makes it prone to bacteria.
3. Don’t shy away from floss
Men may consider flossing to be something limited to females, but it’s vital for them to practice it as well if they want to maintain long-term dental hygiene. Tight spaces between the gum line and the teeth can only be cared for through flossing. While flossing, the dental floss should be on the middle fingers of both hands while you rub it between your teeth.
Be careful when flossing, and use up and down motions when rubbing the side of a tooth. Make sure the floss doesn’t make contact with your gums. Fresh floss when moving from one tooth to the next is even better.
Dental hygiene isn’t an impossible or even expensive feat to achieve. You need to be regular in your dental care routine to make sure that your pearly white stay clear of any problems and painful cavities for as long as possible.
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