The Importance of Teeth Cleaning
Oral hygiene is very important. Without strong, healthy teeth, you may lose the ability to eat foods that you enjoy and may be forced to wear dentures in later years. By following a few simple steps, it's relatively easy to maintain good oral health, which will save you money and keep your mouth healthy.
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Brushing
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You should brush your teeth at least twice a day for 2 minutes at a time. You get best results when using an electric or ultrasonic toothbrush. Use a toothpaste approved by the American Dental Association. Look for toothpastes that contain fluoride, which helps strengthen teeth and prevent cavities.
Brushing is an important step because it freshens breath and eliminates unsightly plaque (clumps of mouth bacteria). This boosts confidence and can even make you more likely to succeed in romance and in your career.
Flossing
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Flossing removes plaque left behind after brushing and removes plaque, tartar and food residue that your toothbrush can't reach. Flossing should be done once a day, right before bed. Flossing is essential for fresh breath and healthy gums. If your gums become diseased, you can develop irritated, bloody, sore gums. In addition, you may lose your teeth, leading to painful extraction or expensive dentures. People who don't floss also increase the risk of developing heart disease.
Rinsing
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It's important to use some kind of rinse. Mouthwash kills bacteria that cause gingivitis. In addition, you can buy various rinses that contain fluoride, which is important for the maintenance of strong, healthy teeth. Rinses help you stay confident and can boost the effectiveness of your toothbrush. Rinsing is a good way to clean bacteria from your mouth between meals if you don't have time to brush.
Regular Dental Visits
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You should see your dentist at least every 6 months for a full cleaning. Your dentist can use specialized instruments and can review your dental records and health history to make specialized recommendations. Although this can be expensive, regular visits to your dentist will cost you much less than having expensive work such as crowns or root canals performed--both of which can be prevented by good oral hygiene. Your dentist can also give you special fluoride treatments, toothpaste or fluoride pills to help strengthen your teeth.
Overview of Health Risks Associated with Poor Oral Hygiene
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If you don't take care of your mouth, you can develop cavities. Down the road, you might need fillings, root canals, crowns or dentures. You could develop a nasty case of gingivitis, which can erode your gums and make your teeth fall out. Poor oral hygiene is linked to heart disease.
By taking proper care of your mouth, you can save money, time and protect yourself from a wide range of diseases and health complaints.
Tobacco
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Tobacco use, especially chewing tobacco, has been shown to cause oral cancer. If you use tobacco products, you may want to consult your dentist to see if there are extra measures you can take to keep your mouth healthy.
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