Dental Health:

Keeping Your Teeth Clean

 

Intro

Keeping Your Teeth Clean

Cavities

Wisdom Teeth

Braces

 

Most teens know that brushing their teeth everyday can help prevent cavities. But did you know that brushing too hard actually wears away the surface of your teeth and can damage tooth enamel? Keep reading to learn more about dental health and why it is important to take good care of you teeth and gums.

 

Why is it important to brush my teeth?

Brushing and flossing gets rid of plaque, which is the main cause of tooth decay and gum disease.

 

What are plaque and tartar?

Plaque is the breakdown of food that coats teeth. If the plaque is not removed every day with brushing, it can harden and turn into tarter. Tarter, a hard crusty deposit that forms on teeth, is much harder to remove than plaque, but can be removed at dental visits. If tarter is not removed, it can cause gum disease.

 

How often should I brush my teeth?

You should brush your teeth at least twice a day for at least 2 minutes; once after breakfast and again before you go to sleep at night. Brushing after each meal is best.

 

How should I brush my teeth?

You can use a watch with a second hand to help you get in the habit of brushing your teeth for a full 2 minutes (each time you brush). Don’t forget to brush all of your back teeth and gum lines.

• Use a soft bristled toothbrush (regular or battery operated).
• Brush gently. Brushing too hard wears away the tooth surface.
• Brush the inside and outside surfaces of your teeth.
• Brush the areas over your gum line where your teeth meet the gums.
• Don’t forget to brush your tongue daily too! This will remove caked on food, bacteria and help keep your breath fresh!

What causes bad breath?

Bad breath happens when food gets trapped between your teeth. When the food breaks down it releases bacteria. It is the bacteria that has a bad odor and causes bad breath. Smoking also causes bad breath.

 

Why is flossing important?

Flossing daily is just as important as brushing your teeth. In fact, flossing removes plaque under your gum line and between your teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach. Here are some reasons why flossing is important.

• Flossing helps get rid of bad breath.
• Flossing removes food particles between teeth that brushing cannot remove.
• Flossing helps prevent cavities and gum disease by removing plaque.

Is there anything I can do to prevent bad breath?

Most teens don’t know that using mints and mouthwash is only a temporary way to control bad breath. Rinsing your mouth with water after you brush and floss can actually be more effective. In most cases, bad breath can be improved just by working on your dental hygiene and not smoking.

• Brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes twice a day; after breakfast and before bed.
• Floss every day.
• Brush your tongue. This will remove most of the bacteria that causes bad breath.
• Don’t smoke or chew tobacco. Smoking causes bad breath and may lead to gum disease. Smoking and chewing tobacco also puts you at risk for getting oral cancer.

Remember these important tips and visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings every 6 months.

 

 

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Written by the CYWH Staff at Children's Hospital Boston

 

Updated: 5/26/2009