You might have grown up with a soft-bristled toothbrush. As a result, you might think that it is an adequate tool for fighting plaque and tartar in your mouth. However, the battery-powered brushes that agitate against your teeth today are a much more powerful tool against the buildup that can develop.
Brush ALL of your teeth, every single time. The act of brushing your teeth seems simple enough, so why do so many people do it incorrectly. A recent survey of dentists reveals that one of the most common mistakes people make is brushing only their front teeth. Don’t focus on brushing only the teeth that other people see. Your molars and other back teeth are equally important, so don’t neglect them!
Don’t avoid going to the dentist just because you’re not insured. There are many types of dental plans available. Search the internet, or ask your doctor for advice on finding a good plan. Many dentist offices also have information on dental savings programs, so ask your dentist for a recommendation.
Use a small amount of toothpaste when you brush. While it may seem like more toothpaste would clean teeth better, it will not. The phrase, “less is more” works best when brushing your teeth. All you need is a pea-sized amount of toothpaste in the middle of your toothbrush for optimal cleaning.
Your bad breath could be the symptom of gum disease. If brushing your tongue and using mouthwash is not enough to make your bad breath go away, you need to go to your dentist and have your gums inspected. The bacteria that develop in your gum could be responsible for your bad breath.
Know that some people are more prone to tartar build up than others, and not addressing this issue can be costly to your teeth. If you’ve learned you have a problem with tarter, invest in a specialty toothpaste and follow it up with detailed flossing and an anti-tarter mouthwash. The effort will pay off.
If you are visiting your dentist for cosmetic reasons, always choose the less invasive treatments. For example, if you are choosing between crowns and veneers, always opt for veneers. Veneers only require you to trim back a bit of your tooth, while crowns involve a lot more and are more damaging.
As was stated at the start of this article, it is not enough just to use the simple soft-bristled toothbrush that you used growing up. The agitation that comes from a battery-powered brush does a much more effective job at combating all of the buildup that can grow in your mouth over time. Your dentist will thank you.