Brush Twice daily with a fluoridated toothpaste
Brushing your teeth is the most important and simple oral hygiene instruction you can follow. Brushing removes plaque that is formed on your tooth surfaces. Plaque is otherwise a very adherent material which can be only removed by proper brushing or professional cleaning/ scaling of teeth. Plaque is a habitat for bacteria, Accumulation of plaque can cause tartar This plaque can lead to both gum disease and cavities. It can also cause bad odor in your mouth. Daily brushing is the most simple and effective solution to decrease plaque deposits and hence one step closer to a healthy mouth. Brushing with a fluoridated toothpaste is also important as fluoride prevents cavities.
Flossing:
Floss is a thread that is used to remove plaque in- between your teeth. Yes!! Brushing does not remove the plaque from in-between your teeth, hence it is essential to floss. Cavity developing in-between your teeth cannot be seen in the initial stage unless you as a patient develop pain or other symptoms. The only way to visualize this cavity is by an X-Ray hence, it becomes very important to protect the teeth in these areas. Flossing also improves the gums in the inter- teeth. Ideally one must floss after every meal, but flossing at least twice/ once daily is recommended.
Avoid sugars/ Junk:
Avoid eating any substance with Added sugars, especially in-between your meals. The consistency of such food is also important. Soft and Sticky foods like hard candy, halwa, Chikkis pose a higher risk for causing cavities. Also, avoid very acidic juices/ drinks which can result in erosion of the enamel layer.
Visiting the dentist biannually:
Dental treatments are quite expensive, but the same dental treatments which are oriented in prevention of dental diseases are not expensive. As the saying goes “ Dentistry is not expensive but neglect is.” Typically your dentist during your regular check up might do a routine examination, a couple of radiographs to identify cavities at an early stage, and do a round of scaling to safeguard you from gum diseases. Missing these regular appointments can be crucial as it might lead to more complicated issues in your oral cavity that require extensive treatment which will be more expensive and time consuming.
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