Taking good care of your teeth is a very important part of your overall health and hygiene. There are several important aspects to keep in mind when it comes to maintaining good oral health. Proper brushing habits and regular visits to the dentist are just some of the elements that can help people ensure their teeth stay clean and things like cavities and toothaches are avoided. Having a solid knowledge about keeping teeth and gums clean is the best way to prevent oral disease.
> Understanding Teeth
Understanding the different elements of human teeth is integral when it comes to knowing about oral health. The enamel is the "outer shell" that protects the teeth from damage. Certain things can damage enamel, such as too much sugar, various citrus foods, cigarette smoke, and other items. Protecting your enamel is essential to keeping teeth safe from damage. Dentin is the next layer of the tooth between the pulp and the enamel, and helps to keep the nerve and roots protected. The pulp is the center of the tooth and is a soft tissue that contains the nerve endings. All of these parts work together and if one part is damaged, it can affect the entire tooth.
- The Human Teeth – Take a look at a diagram of the human tooth and learn more about tooth basics.
- Basic Anatomy – Learn more about the basic anatomy of the mouth and teeth.
- Teeth – Take a closer look at our teeth and what purposes they serve to help humans eat, talk, and more.
> Brushing Basics
Brushing your teeth is perhaps the most important thing you can do to help prevent tooth decay. You should brush your teeth in the morning upon waking, after meals, and before bedtime. Proper brushing techniques are also important. Brush your teeth using both a side to side motion and up and down motions, and be sure to reach the back teeth with your toothbrush. Most dentists recommend using a soft bristled brush, but you can also use medium or hard bristles, depending on your needs and tooth sensitivity. Be sure to choose a high quality, ADA recommended toothpaste with fluoride to help prevent cavities. Rinse your mouth out using a mouthwash solution to help loosen any excess plaque, or you may opt to rinse with cold water.
- Why It's Important – Use this helpful page as an educational tool for why it is so important to brush your teeth regularly.
- Fact Sheet – This simple fact sheet explains the basics of brushing your teeth.
- Proper Brushing – The ADHA recommends brushing with a rolling side to side motion.
- Brush up On Healthy Teeth – Take this short, fun quiz to learn more about brushing your teeth.
- Healthy Habits – Geared towards children, this fun website encourages them to brush their teeth regularly.
- Brushing Basics – From the Mayo Clinic, learn more about when to brush and how to brush your teeth properly.
> Flossing
Flossing your teeth after brushing them can help to remove any loose food or plaque that can get stuck in between your teeth. This is a very important step in a good oral hygiene routine. Use mint flavored dental floss for a clean feeling, or you can choose unflavored varieties. Flossing your teeth after each brushing will help to prevent any problems in hard to reach places. Be sure to get a good firm grip on the floss, and gently move it back and forth between teeth at the gum line.
- Importance of Flossing – Recent studies have shown that not flossing your teeth can affect your oral health as well as your heart.
- Flossing Basics – This web page discusses the basics of flossing and dental floss.
- How to Floss Your Teeth – This page contains some good information about flossing your teeth.
- Flossing Your Teeth – Learn more about flossing essentials here.
> Dentist Visits
As a general rule, people should see the dentist at least once to twice per year for a cleaning. The dentist will also perform dental x-rays to check for any cracks or other damage done to the teeth. Taking children to the dentist regularly at a young age can help them allay any fears they may have later in life. Remember, the dentist is there to help prevent or fix any oral health problems you may have. He or she can also fill in cavities, perform root canals, or pull a tooth if need be. Regularly scheduled cleanings are an excellent way to help prevent tooth decay and other issues.
- Dentists – Learn more about the job of a dentist and what their career entails.
- Going to the Dentist – This page is designed for kids to learn more about going to the dentist.
- Don’t Fear the Dentist – A few simple yet helpful tips to make you less fearful before your next dentist visit.
- Visiting the Dentist – This activity is designed to help kids get familiar with the dentist’s office.
- Dental Anxiety – Discover how you can better deal with the anxiety of going to the dentist.
> Toothpaste, Mouthwash & Whiteners
Choosing the right products to help keep your teeth clean is also important. Be sure your toothpaste contains cavity-fighting fluoride. You can also opt for toothpaste that removes stains and whitens your teeth. Mouthwash is another good addition to keeping your mouth clean, but it's recommended that you use one that does not contain alcohol. Alcohol actually dries the mouth out and can contribute to bad breath, so choose one without it if possible. Teeth whitening products have become very popular over the years, but make sure yours is dentist approved if you decide to use one. Some whiteners can harm the enamel and cause more harm than good.
- Fluoride Products – Find out about toothpaste, mouth rinse, and other items that contain fluoride.
- The Toothbrush – Who invented the toothbrush? When was it first used? Find out here.
- Brushing & Toothpaste – This page reiterates how important brushing with toothpaste is for oral health.
- Tooth Whitening – Important information about teeth whitening and when it’s time to decide if it is right for you.
- Kinds of Mouthwash – Read here to find out more on the different types of mouthwash.
> Dental Diseases & Problems
Understanding the different types of dental diseases and issues is important for prevention or for helping keep it under control before it becomes irreversible. Gingivitis is one of the most common problems, and symptoms can include bleeding and painful gums. An abscess tooth is another common problem that can be extremely painful and may result in a tooth having to be pulled or a root canal. Cavities are common issues that result when a tooth begins to decay. The cavity can be stopped by a dental professional filling the cavity, which prevents it from getting larger. There are many other oral diseases and problems that people should learn about, so that they can prevent them from happening.
- Gingivitis – Learn about the most common dental disease.
- Oral Disease – This page has information about oral and dental related diseases and how to prevent them.
- Tooth Decay – Cavities or tooth decay are very common; learn more about it here.
- Sugar & Tooth Decay – Find out how sugar plays a big role in tooth decay.
- Teeth Cavities – Some more in-depth information about cavities.
> Teaching Kids Good Dental Care
Children should learn good dental care at a young age. Teach your children about brushing and flossing, and make it fun instead of a chore. Taking your kids to a pediatric dentist who specializes in children's oral health is important. This type of dentist can ease their fears, educate them about taking care of their teeth, and help them to learn good habits. Set a good example by brushing your teeth with your children, and encourage them to brush after dinner and before bed time.
- Children’s Oral Health – It is important for kids to practice good oral hygiene at an early age.
- Teaching Kids – This website provides resources to websites, lesson plans, and activities designed to teach kids about good dental health.
- Dental Health for Kids – Read about the basics of dental health for kids of all ages.
- Child Dental Health – This site contains good children’s dental health information.
> General Dental Resources
Here are a few more general dental resources to help you learn more about good oral health and hygiene:
- Baby Teeth 101 – Information for parents about their children losing their baby teeth can be found here.
- Sensitive Teeth – Learn more about what to do if you have sensitive teeth, and what may be the cause.
- Dentures – This page provides great information about denture basics.
