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Dental Health and Hygiene Guide
Five steps to keep your teeth and gums healthy
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Brush in circles and use short back-and-forth strokes.
- Floss between your teeth every day. Floss everyday to remove plaque and food between teeth that your toothbrush missed.
- Visit a dentist regularly for checkups and cleaning. Get checkups even if you have no natural teeth and have dentures.
- Eat Healths, cut down on sugary foods and drinks. Choose low-sugar snacks such as fruits, vegetables, and low-fat or non-fat cheese.
- Dont smoke or chew tobacco and only drink in moderation. Using tobacco in any form (cigarettes, cigars, pipe, spit tobacco) raises your risk for getting gum disease and oral (mouth) cancer.
Take time to brush gently along the gum line.
Dont forget to brush your tongue.
Change your toothbrush at least every three months.
Be sure to rinse your mouth after you floss.
Cut down on sugary soda and drinks that can lead to cavities.
Drinking a lot of alcohol can increase your risk for oral cancer. If you choose to drink, have only a moderate (limited) amount. Moderate suggest one drink a day for women; two drinks a day for men.
Following the five simple steps above will help you mantain good dental health. It is also importantg to watch out for plaque. Plaque (“plak”) is a sticky substance that forms on your teeth. When plaque stays on your teeth too long it can lead to tooth decay (cavities) and gum disease. Cavities and gum disease are the main causes of tooth loss. Taking care of your teeth every day can help prevent problems as you grow older. oh, and maybe you won’t lose your teeth, have to get dentures, or have to worry about how you look when you smile, talk, and laugh.