Cleaning your teeth on a regular basis is the most effective way to ensure that they stay healthy for a very long time. That said, to be able to clean your teeth well, you also must have right tools. As a family dentist would tell you, these include:
Toothbrush
When choosing a toothbrush for yourself, pay a closer attention to the bristles. Today, there are medium, soft and hard bristles available. However, it’s always a good idea to stick to soft bristles. This type of bristle allows you to brush your teeth in circular motion gently. In contrast, medium and hard bristles may prove to be too abrasive for your gums.
On the other hand, you may want to do away with manual toothbrushes if you are dealing with a condition that affects your hand movement. In this case, you may feel more comfortable using an electric toothbrush. Just be sure to choose the shape and size that would fit well in your mouth. This will allow you to clean your teeth easily and comfortably.
Toothpaste
When it comes to toothpaste, one ingredient matters the most: fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral that can help strengthen tooth enamel and even prevent tooth decay. This is quite important since any bacteria in the mouth can readily combine with sugars and produce acid that can cause teeth damage.
Aside from fluoride, some toothpastes contain other ingredients that cater to your specific needs. Some are formulated especially for those with tooth sensitivity. Others help deal with bad breath, gingivitis, and tartar. If you are not sure which type of toothpaste is right for you, it’s best to consult with your dentist.
Tongue Scrapers
It’s not just your teeth that actually require cleaning inside your mouth. Your tongue needs to be regularly cleaned too. This is exactly what tongue scrapers do. They reduce the amount of bacteria that can be forming on your tongue.
In doing so, it is able to help you fight off bad breath. In fact, the American Dental Association has said that cleaning your tongue can reduce bad breath by as much as 70 percent.
Dental Sticks and Picks
Dental sticks and picks make for great teeth cleaning aids especially if you find using dental floss difficult. These tools are interdental, helping you remove any plaque between your teeth. Some of these sticks and picks also include mini-brushes that can get around and between your teeth. Because of this, you can be confident that food particles on your teeth are removed.
Make sure you have all of these dental care tools at home to ensure thorough teeth cleaning. At the same time, it is also advisable to make regular visits to your dentist. This way, you can be sure that your teeth and smile will remain bright and beautiful.
Sources:
What you should know about bad breath, wellnessproposals.com
8 Tools for a Better Smile, everydayhealth.com
5 Great Dental Tools for Home Use, health.howstuffworks.com
