Caring for your whole family and their dental health can be difficult, especially since teeth need different elements of care throughout the stages of your life. However, if you want to create the perfect dental routine for you and your family, there are some simple ways that you are able to establish this and ensure that your family’s teeth are healthy throughout their lives.
1. Checking for Plaque and Decay
As part of your daily routine, you should ask check for any noticeable plaque and decay on both yours and your child’s teeth. For instance, plaque shows itself through brown or yellow stains on your teeth. If these become prevalent, you should visit the dentist to have these removed for you. You should also check for sensitivity and any pain that you are feeling, although you should still visit the dentist regularly if you are not experiencing pain. If you do spot something, it is important to go to the dentist, who has advanced medical equipment which can help to determine and solve your dental issues. For an idea of the type of equipment that dental practices have, follow this link to see a selection of high quality dental products such as handpieces and ultrasonic baths.
2. Brushing Teeth Twice Daily
Everyone of any age need to brush their teeth on a daily basis, and it is important that you ensure that all of your family does this. Brushing your teeth removes the bacteria that your mouth comes into contact with through eating, and can prevent a build-up of plaque and tartar. You and your family should brush on a twice-daily basis, once in the morning and once just before you go to bed. You should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste for younger children, and a slightly larger amount for adults, with anyone over 6 being able to use adult fluoride toothpaste. You should also make sure that you have the right brushing technique mastered.
3. Flossing or Using Interdental Brushes
It is also important that you complement your brushing routine with the use of floss, especially when your children reach their teenage years. Brushing only covers about 60% of your teeth’s surface. When you floss, you will be able to reach the narrow areas in between your teeth that you would previously be unable to reach with only a brush. However, flossing can be harsh on your gums if not performed correctly, and you should ask your dentist for the best way to do this. If you are struggling, interdental brushes can be a great option with less of the negative effects of flossing.
4. Using Mouthwash
Although there is some debate about the success and safety of using mouthwash, not only can mouthwash make your breath smell fresher throughout the day, but it can have a positive impact on your teeth. Mouthwash can help to remove stubborn bacteria from the surface of your teeth with its use of detergents, kill bacteria, and even prevent bacteria from growing. You can also get specialist mouthwashes on the market that caters towards certain conditions, such as gum disease.
5. Care For Your Tongue
It is also important to care for your tongue, and yet many people forget this vital part of their mouths. Your tongue can hold bacteria in your mouth, and so you should always clean this with a soft toothbrush or tongue scaler.
