Brushing is necessary to
remove the sticky plaque / tartar (a transparent layer
of bacteria that coats the teeth) that collects around
the tooth surfaces.
And do you know what harm
the plaque causes-
Well, plaque only leads
to cavities ( those black holes on your teeth) which
may cause you to have tooth pain and maybe even loss
of teeth.
Then, you would have a completely
new look – the Toothless smile! Imagine, do you want
to be like that?
Ideally, brushing twice a day is recommended. Gently
brush with a soft bristle toothbrush. Avoid brushing
hard as it may cause the gums to recede and cause loss
of teeth. To clean the outer surface of the upper and
lower teeth, use circular strokes. To clean the inner
surfaces and chewing surfaces, use back & forth strokes.
Normally brushing cleans
only 3 out of 5 surfaces of your teeth. It does not
remove the plaque and debris between your teeth. Hence,flossing
(recommended in teenagers and adults) may be of additional
aid. See the figure on how floss.
Eating sugary food like candies, mint, gum is the major
cause of tooth decay. Eating snacks in between the day
may expose your teeth to acids leading to loss of enamel
and tooth decay. Hence, it is advisable to eat sugary
food along with a meal and avoid eating in between the
meals. Also since it is not possible to brush our teeth
every time after eating, at least rinsing your mouth
after eating is beneficial.
That is the best way to
ensure good health of your teeth and gums for many years,
Who knows, with your crowning
smile, you may go on to win the "model of the year"
award for the most photogenic smile!
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