How to Care for Your Teeth

Good oral care is essential for overall health. Studies have shown that bacteria and plaque can cause inflammation and infection not only in the mouth, but may also start a chain reaction of inflammation and disease throughout the rest of the body. Improving the way we care for teeth may aid in the prevention of diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, possibly pregnancy related problems. Follow this guide for steps on how to care for teeth for good overall health.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• toothbrush
• floss
• water

How to Care for Teeth

1. Select a toothbrush that has soft bristles and is appropriately sized for adults or children. A toothbrush with hard bristles may damage teeth by injuring the gum line or even worse, damage the tooth enamel. Electric toothbrushes may be a good choice for those that have trouble accessing all sides of the teeth, or for those who need a little motivation to brush. Both manual and electric toothbrushes can clean teeth as long as they are used properly.

2. Begin by flossing the teeth. Flossing before brushing teeth helps to remove excess food particles that may be missed when brushing. Begin by wrapping approximately 12"-18" of floss around the two middle fingers until taut. Leave several inches in between the fingers so that the floss may be easily manipulated between the teeth. Gently ease the floss between all teeth using a back and forth motion, gently curving around the sides of each tooth.

3. Choose toothpaste that is recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA), which also contains flouride. Place a pea sized amount of toothpaste on the bristles of the toothbrush.

4. Begin brushing by placing the toothbrush at approximately 45 degree angle on teeth and gums. Brush teeth by alternating circular and sweeping motions away from the gumline. Gently brush all sides of each tooth, including the front of each tooth, behind each tooth, and on the chewing surface of each tooth. Continue brushing for at least two minutes.

5. Brush the surface of the tongue. Brushing the tongue helps to remove additional bacteria in the mouth.

6. Rinse the mouth with clean water. Be sure to expel any remaining toothpaste, as swallowing excess fluoride may be harmful. Rinsing with mouthwash may also destroy any additional bacteria and will leave the mouth feeling clean and fresh.

7. Drink plenty of water containing fluoride. Six to eight glasses of water per day is essential for good oral health. Water also helps to flush away excess food that may be trapped between the teeth. Tap water is recommended over bottled water for fluoride content.

8. Minimize late-night snacking and snacking between meals. This reduces the amount of bacteria that can build up on the teeth. It is best to brush within 20 minutes of eating to help remove this bacteria which can harden into tartar and cause decay.

Tips & Warnings

• Toothbrushes should be replaced every 3-4 months. This helps to eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses that may breed on both the bristles and handle.
• It is recommended to brush teeth at least twice per day and floss at least once daily.
• Brush teeth gently to avoid damage to gums and tooth enamel. By brushing the teeth too harshly, the gums may tear away from the teeth. This can leave the gums irritated and can also be a gateway for other dental problems such as inflammation and infection.