The other day I saw a family of four discussing the range of electric toothbrushes in a supermarket. After a long discussion, each of them picked up a brush in his/her favorite color. As the lady passed by me, screaming at her kids, I was taken aback by the foul smell coming out of her mouth. Now, her bad breath could be a result of a medicine too, but I am sorry to say I judged her. Can’t she ask her doctor to suggest a replacement or pay more attention to her oral care? This incident made me wonder if we are focusing more on the products we can use rather than the basics of dental care. So, today again, I revisit the basics of dental care.

• Make sure you brush your teeth properly before going to bed.

• Make sure you do not skip brushing even a single tooth. Bacteria can flourish in places you do not clean regularly.
• Floss everyday. Flossing ensures that no food debris are left in between the teeth.
• Rinse your mouth well every time you eat or drink anything. This helps keep your mouth clean and moist.
• Keep your mouth hydrated at all times. Saliva keeps your mouth moist. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to make sure your mouth is never dry.
• Try not to rub your tongue vigorously. Always apply gentle moves to clean your tongue.
• Avoid eating too many sweets. And avoid eating anything sweet after dinner. Bacteria love sugar; keep your mouth clean before going to bed.
• Never ignore any pain in your teeth and gums. Do not wait for a problem to aggravate before you visit your dentist.

Keep smiling, people!

Tags: Dental Care, dental care basics, dental care tips