Everything You Need to Know About Dental Care and Hygiene
Posted on: 26 January 2021
The secret to healthy teeth and gums is consistent dental care and hygiene. This comprises activities like regular brushing and flossing, visiting a dentist regularly and visiting a dentist when you suspect there is something wrong with your teeth or gums.
When Should Dental Care Begin?
Parents have a responsibility to do two things:
Take children to the dentist between the ages of six and 12 months; this is when the first teeth start to erupt.
First, the dentist needs to examine that your child's teeth are erupting correctly and that there is no sign of a dental problem.
Secondly, the dentist educates you on what you should look out for, habits you should avoid and good dental hygiene practices.
Lastly, the dentist may form a dental visit schedule for your child. The purpose of these visits is to monitor the growth and development of your child's teeth, which helps prevent dental problems or catch dental conditions early.
Teach children dental care and good oral hygiene practices
As your child grows, there is an age where you start teaching him or her things like brushing, dressing, washing hands, etc. Instil a culture of proper dental hygiene at an early age; your child will continue to follow it even in adulthood.
Brushing and Flossing
Everyone knows that they need to brush and floss their teeth after meals and before bedtime, but there are some things you should understand:
In the morning
Different people have different schedules; some need to wake up very early for work, while others do not have early mornings. This is an example of why some individuals may find it better to brush before or after breakfast; sometimes, it is just a preference.
If you are brushing after breakfast, try as much as possible to do it at least 25-30 minutes after breakfast. Why? Some meals contain acids that can weaken your teeth. Imagine brushing weakened teeth every morning; over time, you will cause damage. This waiting period helps your teeth regain their strength because your saliva will have set the pH in your mouth back to normal; brushing after this time won't cause damage.
After lunch
You may or may not brush after lunch; this depends on your preference. However, if you choose not to brush, rinse your mouth with water and floss.
In the evening
Brush your teeth after supper/dinner and before bedtime; like in the morning, wait for 25-30 minutes.
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