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Dental issues affect everyone from adults, teens, and children. The major cause of tooth decay is a sticky film called plaque which is basically a pile of bacteria that forms on teeth after taking sugary foods. If you don’t deal with the plaque in good time, the bad bacteria start producing acids that eventually attack the enamel. And that is how a dental starts to form. If the gums recede away from the teeth in conjunction with increased prevalence of periodontal disease, the roots of your teeth become exposed to the plaque. Note that the roots are protected by cementum which is softer than the enamel hence are more prone to deterioration and very sensitive to temperature changes. This article shows how you can avoid these dental problems including how to properly use a toothbrush.

• Brush twice a day to deter cavity formation

After taking a meal, a super sticky film starts to coat your teeth’s surface with bacteria. This plaque not only sticks to the front but also in between, back, side, and underneath gums. You can always feel it with your teeth. If you brush your teeth properly with the best electric toothbrush, two times in a day, you will get rid of the plaque thereby minimizing the risk of cavities and gum diseases.  

• Do not brush too hard

Applying too much pressure when brushing can cause gum recession. Brushing harder is not the right way to remove food debris as it wears out the outer surface as well as the gums. Think about brushing like using sandpaper; the more pressure applied, the harder it scrapes off the surface. Don’t forget that your teeth wear off as you age so you don’t have to put them through another ordeal of hard brushing that exposes your sensitive roots. You better buy a toothbrush with soft bristles and brush in gentle circles when you reach the gum line.

• Avoid starch and sugars

Sugars are foods for the bacteria that decay your enamel to create cavities. When starch is metabolized in your mouth, the bacteria feed on it and an acid is released which is not good for your teeth. So, any time you munch sweet bites or drink processed sodas and iced coffee, you are eating for two- you and the bacteria found in plaque. Avoiding sugars is a bit challenging because they are also found in fruits which still need for healthy gums. Some of the best foods for your teeth include dairy products, meat, and non-acidic veggies. If you eat sugars without brushing in between, you are accelerating the rate of dental decay in your mouth.

Every time you take in these junks, you create a conductive environment for the bacteria that attack your teeth since they use the food residues to thrive. Give your mouth a break from acidic attacks by adapting to a 4-meal nutrition plan every day. If you have to take coffee and sweet drinks, finish them within 30 minutes and then switch to water. Keep in mind that how often you eat has a huge impact on teeth decay.

• Floss your teeth every morning

The plaque builds up at night as well so it is a great idea to floss your teeth in the morning. Even if you brush every night and feel clean when you wake up, the plaque continues to coat the teeth. This is especially important if you breathe through your mouth during sleep, something a dries up saliva. You can brush before or after breakfast; the idea is to eliminate the bacteria that grows overnight.

• Always keep your mouth wet

Mouth dryness is one of the reasons that the bacteria grow fast. Saliva is critical as far as teeth cleaning and fighting cavities go. It washes away food residues and contains anti-bacterial qualities that neutralize the negative effects of the acids produced by the bacteria. So, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that saliva repairs and restores healthy teeth. If you have a dry mouth problem, which results from a medical condition, you need extra protection e.g. drinking a lot of water or using saliva-boosting rinses. There is also certain toothpaste in the market that may help prevent a dry mouth condition.  

These dental care tips apply to kids too. Pass on to them so they can escape chronic childhood diseases. Make it a habit to check with a dentist for screening and suggestions on how to avoid oral cancer. A routine check-up is the first defense against dental illnesses. Are you aware that dental problems can affect your entire health? If left untreated, gum diseases such as gingivitis advance to serious diseases characterized by bone loss. Be sure to brush your teeth with soft-bristled toothbrush, floss, and eat gum-friendly meals.