Most of us think that it is very easy to care for your teeth. Somehow I cleaned twice a day - and my teeth are healthy. And then, years later (and sometimes much earlier), we begin to unravel the porridge that has been boiled. And simple tooth decay here is the most innocuous development of events. Why is this happening? For those who really care about their health, the recommendations of a dentist for dental care will be quite superfluous.
Actually, it is necessary to properly handle the teeth from childhood. It is wrong to think that baby dairy teeth do not require care (they say, they will still fall out) - just behind them you need to take care and follow them carefully. Healthy teeth are formed at the milk stage. If properly handled, you will not have problems with your teeth in the future. There are several basic questions regarding the health of the teeth that most of us care about. Here are the most common ones.
1. Which toothbrush is better - stiff or soft?
On the one hand, brush with stiff bristles is most effective with brushing teeth. However, this can irritate the gums. And with soft bristles - the plaque will not be removed completely. Therefore, it is best to use medium hardness brushes - this is the best option for caring for healthy teeth. If you have high sensitivity of the teeth or gum disease - choose a soft brush for yourself. There are certain recommendations of the dentist concerning the shape of the brush. Best if it is with a small head and a slightly curved, flexible handle. The best are synthetic fiber brushes, since in natural fibers, the bacteria multiply more actively. The length and directivity of the bristles have a special role in cleaning teeth. All that you promise from the TV screens - just an advertising trick.
2. How do I clean my teeth correctly?
In fact, we all know. That you need to brush your teeth twice a day after eating. However, according to statistics, 80% of people on the planet do it all wrong. It is very important that cleaning your teeth takes at least three minutes - no less, otherwise there will be no effect. And the main thing is to make the right movements with a brush. You should "sweep" your teeth from top to bottom on the upper jaw and from the bottom upwards on the lower jaw. You can not brush your teeth together! So the plaque will only be transferred from the upper teeth to the lower ones - and vice versa. And in any case you can not brush your teeth from side to side - so the plaque is even more strongly embedded in the surface of the teeth. The paste should not be applied to a wet brush! Water reduces the effectiveness of the paste several times. All teeth need to be cleaned on each side, with special attention to the border of the gumline (there is usually formed tartar).
3. Do I need to keep the toothpaste on my teeth for a while or wash it off immediately?
Pasta (even the most expensive and healing) to keep a long time on the teeth is not worth it. Teeth should always be washed several times. There are two reasons. First of all, along with the toothpaste in the mouth remain bacteria and food remnants. In addition, the fluoride contained in the toothpaste works best on the tooth surface. Such a paste can not be swallowed! Swallowed in large quantities of fluoride can cause serious damage to health. There is no way to control this process if the toothpaste gets into the stomach.
4. Can a chewing gum replace a toothpaste and a brush?
To some extent, yes. But only in emergency situations, when you can not brush your teeth right after eating. A good quality chewing gum without sugar can complement the actions of toothpaste and toothbrush. But here there are nuances. Gum stimulates the production of saliva, which has antibacterial action and prevents a rapid decrease in pH in the oral cavity - and this is good. But it also stimulates the production of gastric juice and enzymes, which, with prolonged use, can disrupt digestion. And more: most modern chewing gums contain xylitol. This substance has antibacterial properties and additionally protects the teeth from acid attacks that develop in the mouth immediately after eating. But xylitol also can cause severe diarrhea with daily intake. Dental recommendations for chewing gum are as follows: its consumption should not exceed 15-20 minutes, especially if you do it often (several times a day). Violations of this rule can lead to atrophy of the masticatory muscle or even damage to the temporomandibular joint.
5. If I eat often during the day, how many times do I brush my teeth?
It depends on what you eat. If it's fruits or vegetables - they themselves cleanse the teeth and protect them. If it is a plentiful lunch and sweets - cleaning is mandatory. And as soon as possible! You can at least just rinse your mouth with a special liquid, but do it carefully, removing all the remaining food from your mouth. If you brush your teeth after each meal - do it with a soft brush to avoid injuring the enamel.
6. When should I rinse my mouth: before or after brushing my teeth?
Of course, after. Most rinse liquids contain a number of substances that persist for up to 6-8 hours in the oral cavity. They suppress the reproduction of bacteria and the formation of tartar - the main causes of caries. In addition, most of them also contain fluoride. Note: for everyday use only rinse liquids with a low concentration of fluoride ions are intended (up to 0.05 percent.). Those that contain more fluoride (for example, 0.2 percent.) Can be used no more than once a week. Regular rinsing of the mouth is especially important for people wearing curly braces.
7. How often should I use dental floss? Is its use really necessary?
Dental floss is absolutely necessary! Without it, cleaning the oral cavity can not be considered complete. Dental floss should be used twice a day, or at least three times a week - it will help to thoroughly clean all interdental spaces. You can choose a dental floss based on your needs and the characteristics of the structure of the teeth. There are thicker threads, there are thinner, there are waxes and fluoride. In some pharmacies, a dental floss replacement is proposed - a tiny brush with a thin brush made of strong bristles at the end. It is designed for those who have no gaps between their teeth - they just need to clean the spaces at the junction of teeth with this brush.
8. Is it true that using a toothpick can be harmful?
Yes. Toothpicks are only for people with widely spaced teeth. Dentists do not recommend using them all in a row, as they can easily damage the gums. However, if the time is not removed the remains of food between the teeth - it can cause inflammation. This will tell you any specialist in dental care.
9. Why do you sometimes see traces of blood on a toothbrush?
Bleeding from the gums, as a rule, is caused by too much pressing the brush on its surface. In some people, gums are too sensitive - it is not safe for them to use toothpicks or dental floss. But usually these are minor bleedings and last for a long time. If the complaints are repeated often and persist for a long time, this may be the first sign of periodontal disease. It is indicated by inflamed gums, increased bleeding, pain, loosening of teeth. Immediately address to the doctor at the first similar symptoms - here is the main recommendation of dentists for dental care. Never try to self-medicate! Periodontal disease can lead to the loss of all teeth, even completely healthy.