Protecting Our Kids' Smiles

Would you like to have an attractive smile? Dental hygiene is a critical factor in not just developing good teeth that give you a great smile, but also in preventing dental problems from becoming much worse.  Here are some tips to help you develop good oral hygiene.

Brush Twice Every Day

The foundation of effective oral hygiene starts with brushing your teeth as recommended by dentists the world over. The first aspect is to ensure you brush your teeth twice every day. Once in the morning and at night before you sleep. Cleaning in the morning helps you eliminate bacteria that has formed overnight while brushing just before going to bed prevents against tooth decay. This is because at night the flow of saliva is low. Since it is the primary cleaning agent present in your mouth, you need to brush at night to boot oral protection.  

Alongside brushing twice a day, a dentist will recommend that you clean in a circular motion for two minutes. It is also important to note that you should use toothpaste that contains fluoride. While many leading brands include it in their ingredients, different age groups require different fluoride levels. 

Dentists recommend that children three years and below use toothpaste whose fluoride levels are at 1,000 parts per million (ppm). Those three years and above require fluoride levels that are 1,300 to 1,500 ppm. Always check the label on the toothpaste's packaging to ascertain if it has the right level of fluoride for you. 

Brush at the Appropriate Time After Meals

If you are brushing your teeth after a meal, it is necessary to wait for an hour before doing so. The main reason for this recommendation is because the mouth neutralizes acids entirely after 40 minutes. If you brush before the appropriate time after a meal, you risk sweeping away part of the weakened enamel due to eating and drinking.

 Regular Dental Visits

Seeing a dentist on a regular basis is critical to maintaining good oral hygiene. Keep a steady appointment for a general dental checkup as directed to stay ahead of any potential problems that can be detected early and quickly nipped in the bud. More importantly, however, regular dental appointments help you course correct when any issues crop up, e.g., gum disease which is relatively common and which without immediate remedy can deteriorate into something much worse.

Conclusion

Keeping your mouth healthy is critical to your total wellness. A combination of regular cleaning and checkups will keep your teeth healthy for long.