For a Fresh and Clean Mouth

[dentistfinder]

Aside from the fresh and clean feeling, and being unafraid to smile at the world, there are other benefits associated with a well maintained mouth. It is not for nothing that an idiom was born about an ounce of prevention being worth a pound of cure. And keeping your mouth clean is relatively easy, and cheap, for the most part.

Here are a few tips to begin with:

Your Toothbrush

• Replace your toothbrush every three months. After about three months, most brush bristles become frayed. This makes it less effective in cleaning your teeth.
• Use a sanitizer. Research shows that germs can remain and breed on wet toothbrushes. This can potentially prolong infections such as gum disease or sore throats. Choose from several brands available on the market. Most can kill almost 99 percent of germs.
• Keep toothbrush separated from others'. Airborne bacteria can move from other toothbrushes and from other sources in the bathroom can spread infections such as periodontal disease, common colds and flu.

Floss and Mouth Wash

• Use floss and mouth wash daily. Just like you brush your teeth. Why use just one tool when there is a whole tool box?
• Learn proper flossing techniques. Improper flossing can damage your gums and leave food particles still stuck between your teeth. Proper flossing helps remove particles between teeth that brushing cannot remove. Check out this brushing and flossing animation from the American Dental Association.
• Consult your dentist on choosing the best mouthwash. There are two types of mouth wash; cosmetic and therapeutic. Cosmetic mouthwashes mask bad breath. While they can eliminate some bacteria, they only have a limited effect on dental health. Therapeutic mouthwashes help build tooth enamel and combat disease and cavities.

Be Well Fluoridated

• Fluoride is nature's cavity fighter. It is present in all water sources. According to the Surgeon General, “Fluoridation is the single most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health over a lifetime, for both children and adults.”
• Use fluoride toothpaste. American Dental Association recommends that teeth should be brushed twice a day with toothpaste containing fluoride. Other fluoride products include mouth rinses, special gels and pastes applied in the dental office.
• Drink fluoridated water. Water from community or public water supplies contains fluoride. Bottled water does not. To ensure you are sufficiently fluoridated, it is best to drink filtered tap water, whenever tap water is safe for drinking.
• For over half a century, the American Dental Association has continuously endorsed the fluoridation of community water supplies and the use of fluoride-containing products as safe and effective measures for preventing tooth decay. However, according to the Association website, recent news reports have raised questions about the safety of fluoride in drinking water. It is worthwhile watching for the latest developments in this area to ensure you are well informed.

 

[FamilyOrthodontist]

Another tip is stay away from sugary drinks and smoking.