General dentistry can help you develop good oral health habits in many ways. Going to the dentist’s office will also reduce your risk of having cavities and gum disease. But visiting the dentist every six months is not enough to promote healthy, strong teeth and gums. Daily habits such as brushing your teeth are vital. To get the most out of the preventive activity, you need the right toothbrush and toothpaste.
One of the first things a young child will learn about good dental care is brushing teeth. This task is essential for preventing cavities and strengthening teeth. Regular brushing removes sugar and bacteria, which would otherwise cause a buildup of plaque and tartar. Brushing can also keep gum disease at bay by eliminating bacteria from the gumline.
As soon as a child has teeth, it is important to brush at least twice a day. Young children will need help at first to brush effectively. The individual should hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and brush gently, hitting all surfaces of every tooth. This should happen after meals and before bedtime.
Toothbrushes come in all shapes and sizes. A patient will even get one after visiting the general dentistry office for a checkup. The most effective brushes have soft bristles, which are gentle on the teeth and gums. The bristles should also be rounded. These elements will make brushing a more comfortable experience and reduce the risk of irritating the gums.
The size of a toothbrush matters too. A person should make sure the brush they get at the general dentistry office fits comfortably in the mouth. The brush should be able to reach all of the teeth. Normally, a 1-inch-long-by-1/2-inch-wide head is the most suitable toothbrush.
The first thing a person should do when buying toothpaste is to look at the ingredients. If the product does not have fluoride, do not purchase it. Any general dentistry professional would advise patients to choose toothpaste that has this cavity-fighting mineral. It will protect the enamel layer of the person’s tooth as well.
Anyone’s general dentistry office will carry toothpaste with the right seal of approval. If a person’s toothpaste does not have the recommendation from the American Dental Association, it is not a good product to use. Most products a person would find in their local grocery store or drug store would have such an approval. The dentist can also recommend the right one.
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Picking a good toothpaste and toothbrush matters more than you may think. You do not want to spend time using a poor product. If you follow these guidelines, you can feel good about your choice. Talk to your dentist today if you are concerned about which ones to buy and use.
Request an appointment or call Eric A. Larson DDS at 801-871-8983 for an appointment in our Salt Lake City office.
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