We all know that the holidays are a joyous time of year filled with wonder, excitement, and love. We also know that behind the scenes, the holidays are chaotic and stressful. There are holiday parties, gift lists, traveling, and lots and lots of cooking.
But don’t let the hustle and bustle of the holidays prevent you from taking care of yourself. Be extra mindful to make the time to make sure your health and wellness are in order. After all, the health of your teeth and gums is especially important during the season of indulgence!
When should I brush?
Most dentists recommend brushing your teeth in the morning to clean away the bacteria that formed in your mouth overnight and again before bedtime or meals. Brushing too soon after eating can actually damage the enamel of your teeth. However, it’s wise to brush your teeth before eating any acidic foods and recommended that you drink a glass of water when finished to help wash away the acids.
Flossing should also be done a minimum of once per day, too! Flossing helps remove plaque from areas between your teeth that you can’t reach with brushing alone.
How often should I brush?
The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day. Frequent brushing helps remove food and plaque from your teeth. Not sure what plaque is? It’s that white sticky film that forms on your teeth and contains all kinds of bacteria.
There is definitely such a thing as too much of a good thing when it comes to brushing your teeth. It is possible to over brush your teeth, and this can be damaging because most of us are brushing our teeth incorrectly. Your toothbrush should approach your gums at a 45-degree angle and move back and forth in small, gentle strokes. Be sure to brush the outside, inside, and chewing services of the teeth.
What kind of toothbrush should I use?
Use a soft-bristled brush to brush your teeth twice a day. If the bristles are your tooth brush are too stiff, you can cause damage to both your gums and enamel.
Don’t forget to replace your toothbrush every three or four months to prevent the build-up of bacteria. Plus, worn bristles are less effective at cleaning teeth since the fine tips can’t as easily reach the between your teeth and gums. You can replace your tooth brush more often if you notice the bristles are frayed (and that may mean you’re brushing too hard).
Follow these tips to ensure that you have a holiday smile that sparkles and shines!
Most people don’t look under the hood of their car until they have a reason to, which usually means they can see smoke or hear a funny noise. Oftentimes, this results in a costly repair that could have been easily avoided if the vehicle was routinely checked and maintained. Much like your car, many people don’t consider the condition of their teeth and gums until they start to notice trouble.
Did you know that your body actually benefits from keeping your smile healthy? Healthy teeth and gums not only keep your smile looking its best, best but it also helps your body feel its best. Because inflammation from tooth decay and gum disease can spread to other parts of your body and cause health problems, proper oral hygiene is a must
You need a root canal,” is one of the most-feared statements your dentist can make. Root canals are often associated with excruciating pain, and you will do anything to avoid them.
You’ve been brushing your teeth twice a day, but you’ve noticed your gums are a bit more tender than usual. As soon as your gums continue to swell, you figure that you’ve just been brushing too hard. But then your gums start to bleed. This is a red flag that you likely have gingivitis.
