When we hit adulthood and become responsible for our own dental maintenance, we need a refresher course on how to preserve that smile.
Your smile will win you many things in life. It might bring you a date, win you a job, or earn you a reputation as a positive person. Whatever reputation it earns you, however, you do not want it to be for all the wrong reasons.
When we are children, our parents and guardians take charge of our dental health. They organise our appointments and take us to the dentist at the times we need to be there. For many a student, however, that is where it ends.
The Gap in Dental Good Health
Many of us go off to college or university, or even just into the working world, and assume that our teeth will take care of themselves. In fact, most of us forget about the dentist entirely until we get toothache. This gap in knowledge between how to take care of your own teeth and having your parents do it for you, is a crux point in a young adult’s life. It is when you are likeliest to do permanent damage to your teeth and gums.
How To Maintain Your Smile
To prevent this uncertainty in how to schedule your own dental visits, you need to set yourself up in a regular routine of visiting your dentist. Not just for a check up appointment every six months, either. You need to visit the dental hygienist, too.
Maintaining your smile is not just the responsibility of your dentist, though. You need to take accountability for your own winning smile. Let us break it down into the methods you can use to maintain your teeth both in the dentist’s office and at home.
Visit the dental hygienist
The dental hygienist will remove plaque build-up from your teeth, giving them a thorough clean and polish. You should visit them at least twice a year unless your dentist sends you more often.
Go for check ups
Once you register with a dentist, they will text, email, or write to you when you are due an appointment. It is important not to disregard these invitations. Regular check-ups catch problems with teeth and gums before they become irreparable.
Brush twice daily
You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, but you can brush them a little more than that if necessary. Follow the advice on your toothpaste packaging as to the maximum number of times you can use it in one day.
Use interdental brushes
Flossing is important but interdental brushes remove more debris and plaque. If interdental brushes do not fit between your teeth, try a dental tape or a floss instead. Floss your teeth at least three times a week. As you age, you should do it more often.
Chew gum or use mouthwash in the afternoons
After you eat or drink throughout the day, you should use a mouthwash to kill off bacteria. We use mouthwash after brushing to remove excess bacteria, but this will remove any remaining toothpaste and its benefits.