Monday, September 21, 2009

Preserve Teeth

It is amazing how crucial oral health is to the longevity and quality of life. Our teeth are one of our most valuable possessions. You get the first two sets for free, but you'll pay dearly for the third. Take time to consider upgrading your oral health to preserve your teeth, so that you can take a bite of that delicious, crunchy apple when you are 80.


Instructions


1. Understand that your oral health is contingent upon a lifelong relationship with a good dentist you know and trust. If your place of business does not offer dental insurance or if you are self-employed, take it upon yourself to get your own dental insurance because it will save you a lot of money and possibly your teeth in the long haul. Smartsmile Dental Insurance is available to the individual and runs $213 a year. You can pay it in one lump sum, or have it deducted monthly from your account. You must have a thorough professional cleaning and oral examination at least twice a year, in conjunction with brushing and flossing daily. If you neglect your teeth, it could cost you dearly. Think about how much you spend on your car and other expenses. Aren't you worth that much?


2. Carry a toothbrush and travel-sized toothpaste with you when you leave the house and use them regularly after you eat or just to freshen your breath. If you're going to be compulsive about something, try brushing your teeth more often. Ask your dentist about proper brushing technique.








3. Know that flossing your teeth daily is very important because the floss gets what the toothbrush misses. Food and debris lodge in between teeth resulting in decay. Dental tape is wider and covers more ground than dental floss which has a smaller lateral surface. Floss your teeth with dental tape at least once a day if you hope to keep them.


4. Keep in mind that what a lot of people don't know is that most of the germs in your mouth are on your tongue. It is advisable to gently brush your tongue with toothpaste and toothbrush after the initial brushing and thoroughly rinse. There are also tongue scrapers available that look and work much like a ice scraper on a windshield but are more gentle.


5. Do a final brushing with paste and brush after you floss and clean your tongue. This will ultimately remove any lingering debris that may still be lurking in your mouth ready to cause decay.

Tags: your teeth, oral health, your tongue, dental insurance, your mouth, your oral