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| You are in>Health Channels>Personal Care>Dental care |
| Dental care |
| Taking daily care of your teeth is as important as
having regular dental checkups. If you adopt a simple routine of regular brushing and
flossing, you can prevent food particles and bacteria from attacking the surface of
your teeth and thus reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum diseases. If you do not clean your
teeth between meals, chewing sugar-free gum may help. Avoid sugary foods and
drinks, which contribute to tooth decay. If your water does not contain fluoride, which
helps strengthen teeth, consult your dentist about the use of fluoride tablet or
drops. |
| Brushing your teeth |
| Your teeth need brushing at least twice a day for 5
minutes and, if possible, after every meal. Use a small-headed, soft toothbrush and
fluoride toothpaste. Make sure that you clean all the surfaces of your teeth, especially
where they meet the gums. Brush your teeth in small circular motions by holding the brush
at an angle to the teeth. Replace your toothbrush every 2-3 months. |
| Cleaning between teeth |
| Dental floss or dental tape is used to clean between
the teeth and remove food particles and bacteria from areas between the teeth that cannot
be reached easily with a toothbrush. Toothpicks and small inter-dental brushes are also
often used. You should clean between each tooth in turn in a regular pattern so that no
teeth are missed. For cleaning, keep the floss taut, and guide it between the teeth.
Gently scrape the side of the tooth away from the gum. |
| Tips for healthy teeth |
Historians tell us that man's tryst with dental
problems is as old as the Neolithic age. But very few of them suffered the insufferable
then. So, what is it that robs our teeth from their healthiness? The accusing finger, to a
large extent, point towards our eating habit. The food that we prefer, the taste buds that
amuse and please us, the way we eat our food, and the rush we are always in, just do not
gel with the structure of our teeth. The following care should be taken to ensure that the
food you eat does not harm your teeth.
- Chew your food thoroughly and eat slowly. Eating hastily is simply unhealthy.
It works poorly for your teeth, gums and even for your digestive system. Also, chewing is
a natural cleaner of your teeth; it stimulates the flow of saliva that washes the teeth
and cleans them of sticky food particle.
- Always take plenty of fibre rich food. Fruits like apple, sugarcane, guava, etc. clean
your teeth and have the same effect as brushing them.
- Make a habit to sip some water after meals, particularly after eating sweets.
- If brushing is not convenient, rinse your mouth after every meal.
- If you cannot brush soon after eating sugary foods, chew sugar-free gum.
- Eat less table sugar and also sweet sticky foods, like cakes, pastries,
candies, etc.
- Sugar-laden soft drinks are equally damaging to your teeth. Take a limited amount and
brush your teeth after drinking them.
- Never break your routine of dental cleaning.
- On a slight indication of any dental problem,
immediately consult your dentist. There is nothing wrong getting your teeth cleaned
professionally. It only restores and strengthens your teeth.
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| Dental check-ups |
| In order to keep your teeth and gums healthy, you
should consult your dentist at least once every six months for a checkup. He will examine
your teeth for the signs of decay and your gums for any evidence of gum disease. If you have not
been to a dentist for some time, you may have X-rays to find any evidence of decay between
the back teeth and under existing fillings. Dentist may also clean and polish your
teeth and will advice you on oral hygiene. |
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