Nice grill! No…not your Traeger Timberline 1300 Pellet Grill that makes all the dads in your community swoon, your pearly whites that you brush at least twice a day and floss at least once. You DO brush your teeth twice a day and floss, right? Riiiiiiiight. Okay, okay, you hear it enough from your dentist and dental hygienist; you don’t need to hear it from some article that is supposed to help you with Adulting because it’s not that important right? WRONG. Oral hygiene is the epitome of Adulting. Fail to do these simple habits correctly, or even worse...not do them at all [crowd shudders and boos] and it can not only hurt your teeth, but your looks, breath, and wallet.
Oh, you don’t like going to the dentist? Dentists don’t even like going to the dentist! Cut your dental providers some slack, chances are they know what you’re going through when you’re in their chair. Getting cleanings, fillings, root canals, etc. are not on anyone’s “This is What I Really Want to Do Today” list but it is necessary to leading a healthy life. Luckily for you, we’ve got some pro tips to help make your visits a little less miserable.
Let’s Get Down to Business
Bottom line, your oral health is pretty much connected to everything else in your body. It is related to diabetes, heart disease, and deadly brain infections just to name a few. Your teeth are important for talking, eating, shaping the bone structure of the face and without them you can kiss (well you actually probably can’t) those things goodbye. Now that you’ve been terrified into taking better care of your teeth, let’s get to what you came here for.
To Defeat...the Gums
First things first, you’re going to need a toothbrush and some toothpaste. There are so many options out there so find what works best for you. The ADA (American Dental Association) recommends that you use a toothbrush with soft bristles (can be a manual or electric toothbrush). You can find a list of toothbrushes with the ADA Seal of Acceptance here (LINK) and here (LINK). It is also important that your toothpaste has fluoride. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can assist in the reduction of cavities and help fight early decay of teeth i.e. less time in the dentist’s chair getting fillings. Find ADA’s list of approved fluoridated toothpastes here (LINK).
Now that you’ve got your toothpaste and brush, let’s begin. Choose your adventure: wet your toothbrush and apply your paste OR apply your paste then wet your brush. (This, along with 10 other common arguments like “Which way the toilet paper should go?” will be a later article). Put your toothbrush in your mouth, spread the paste around, and start brushing. It is easiest to start with one area of your mouth, let’s say the back-bottom right, and work your way systematically over your teeth. Brush in circular motions (no scrubbing back and forth) around all surfaces of your teeth. Do not apply pressure, just lightly brush circles over the front surfaces of your teeth then work your way around and do the back sides. The only surface you may scrub is what dental professionals call “the occlusals” of your teeth; the flat surfaces that you use to chew your food. Once you’ve cleaned all surfaces, brush your tongue starting in the back and working your way forward. Rinse your tongue but not your teeth. You want that fluoride to hangout and protect those chompers. You might want to avoid eating for at least 30 or so minutes as well, toothpaste flavor does not play well with others anyways. Last but not least, it is a wonderful idea to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time… you know the drill ;)
(INSERT BRUSHING VIDEO HERE)
Did They Send Me Flossers?
Flossing, everyone’s favorite thing to do! This is actually a crucial part to oral care that many overlook. Not flossing can lead to many problems in the mouth including the infamous gum disease (correct brushing helps prevent this as well). Incorrect flossing can lead to damage of gums and recession. So grab some waxed minty string, wrap it around your fingers, and follow along!
Sidebar: "Wait! Is it okay to use flossers? My hygienist said they do not work as well."
Your Local Neighborhood Spiderman: "You know what? If flossers are what works best for you, and are what will get you to floss everyday then be all means, be our guest, Belle."
When you floss make sure that you are not going straight up and down but following the contour of the tooth in the shape of a “C” so as not to damage the gums and actually retrieve material that may be stuck. Gently lift the floss between every tooth and behind your last molars even if there aren't teeth behind them. Do this once a day. Boom. Easy-peasy lemon-squeezy. If you’re feeling rebellious, floss before you brush.
(insert flossing video here)
When I Asked for Mouthwash
Feel free to use some mouthwash, but as previously mentioned, let the fluoride from the toothpaste sit on your teeth for a bit since the mouthwash might rinse off that protective barrier. Antiseptic mouthwash with fluoride is a fantastic extra preventative measure that not only leaves you with fresh breath, but also kills bacteria leaving a clean mouth. Swish the liquid in your mouth for at least 30 seconds covering the teeth, tongue, cheeks, and gargle a little to get the back of the throat. Spit. Enjoy.
But You Can Bet Before We’re Through, I’ll Make a Perfect Dental Patient Out of You
If you have made it this far, congratulations! Your dentist and dental hygienist are going to love you. Your teeth are going to love you. Taking proper care of your teeth is going to lead to a healthier and happier you. It probably will also lead to less time in the dental office, less pain, and less money out of your pocket paying for what your insurance or lack thereof does not cover. Thank you for suffering through this dental appointment at home. Stay flossy.
Disclaimer
The Adulting community is not affiliated with the ADA nor has any licensed dentists or medical professionals… yet. For more information, assistance, and/or recommendations please consult your dentist or local health care professional.
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