With the right oral care routine, your teeth can last a lifetime, remaining bright and beautiful and helping you attain a better overall health. The Centres for Disease Control (CDC) says that poor oral care can cause cavities, heart disease,gum disease, and cancer. Oral health is linked to overall health, so there is even more incentive to maintain high levels of oral health. You need to maintain the very highest standards of oral care in order to guarantee your best teeth for life. Here are some tips.
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling has been around for around 1,500 years. It is derived from Ayurvedic medicine and is typically done using sunflower oil, or other herbal oils such as coconut oil. Oil pulling occurs when you swish a herbal oil in your mouth, pulling it through your teeth as in the process. When you’re done, you spit out the oil. Research suggests that oil pulling is effective in preventing tooth decay, throat dryness, and bleeding gums. It is also said to strengthen the gums, teeth and jaws. Another study found that oil pulling was effective in combating plaque-induced gingivitis.
Most of the research has used sesame seed oil for oil pulling. That’s not everyone’s favourite. As I said earlier, you can use sunflower oil and other herbal oils such as coconut oil. It’s recommended that you pull the oil for three minutes or so.
Do not gargle as you pull the oil. When you’re done and have spatr out the oil, floss and brush your teeth.
Floss Before Brushing
Most people believe that you should floss after brushing your teeth. However, according to the American Academy of Periodontology, there is evidence that flossing prior to brushing your teeth reduces plaque and increases fluoride concentration. Flossing has also been found to reduce the risk of getting cavities, gum disease and bad breath. You only need to floss once a day to enjoy the benefits of flossing, but if you can do it twice a day, you’ll be better off.
Brush Your Teeth
Everyone knows they should brush their teeth. However, there is some controversy over whether you should brush with fluoride toothpaste. That controversy is based on a misunderstanding of the benefits of fluoride. Fluoride fights cavities and occurs naturally in rivers, lakes and oceans. It is not some ingredient invented by Dr. Frankenstein.
Fluoride protects your teeth’s enamel. It helps to reduce tooth decay. It is your best shot at fighting cavities and preventing the development of small ones. Experts recommend brushing your teeth twice daily using fluoride toothpaste. THis will not only have the benefits we’ve just mentioned, it will also strengthen your teeth.
Use Mouthwash
Mouthwash is an important addition to your dental care routine. It is useful for helping you reach those hard-to-reach places that your toothbrush can’t get to. Swishing mouthwash in your mouth helps combat gum disease and fight off cavities. It does this by controlling the buildup of plaque.
Use the mouthwash just after you’ve brushed your teeth. Then, you will also be able to wash away the fluoride in your mouth.
Follow these tips and the next time you visit the dentist office, you’ll impress your dentist with how good your oral health is.
