Sure, kids get educated probably once a year on the tips to good oral hygiene, but as an adult when was the last time you heard the latest recommendations on keeping your mouth clean? Just like anything in the medical world, techniques change and if you have not been to the dentist routinely you may have missed out on these important changes to your oral health. Less than 60% of adults over the age of 18 routinely go to the dentist and know about General Dentistry Pittsburgh.
A fun little fact about history is that Queen Elizabeth I (the first) had such bad teeth before she died that she had all the mirrors removed from the palace. The main culprit behind the loss of her teeth or the black color remaining in what was left of her teeth was sweets. In the late 1500’s little was known obviously about how to take care of teeth otherwise she would have paid close attention to the fact that oral health begins with clean teeth.
Some of the old rules still apply that you may have learned in elementary school. Brush your teeth twice a day, use the right brush and fluoride toothpaste as well as flossing but the techniques and equipment may have changed. You can reduce tartar by using a battery operated or electric toothbrush. Brushing harder is not a good solution for tartar buildup as you will wear away the protective enamel that you can never get back. A battery powered brush will help you keep just the right pressure on your teeth.
Did you know that keeping your toothbrush covered when it is not in use can actually grow bacteria? The best place to store your toothbrush are with the bristles up and available to air dry before the next use. Replace every three to four months even if it does not look like it is needed.
It is still advisable to see a dentist two times a year for routine check-ups. The old saying goes that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and that is certainly true when it comes to oral health. A dentist can catch a problem before you notice it and suffer unneeded pain or discomfort.
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