Dental Health: 6 Essential Dental Care Tips You Need to Know

Published on: 27 December 2018 Last Updated on: 09 August 2021

Approximately 27 percent of adults have untreated tooth decay. Nearly half of those over the age of 30 show signs of gum disease. According to a study, older adults with dementia have worse oral health. In general, Alzheimer’s disease patients have a higher occurrence of periodontal problems.

Clearly, we need to do a lot more to take care of our smiles.

The problem is, many adults think that if they simply brush their teeth twice a day and floss once, then they’ve done their job. While these two things are certainly very important, there is more to good oral hygiene than just a simple brush and floss.

So, what exactly do you need to do to take care of your teeth and mouth?

Here are some essential dental care tips you need to know.

1. Brush More:

Brush

Many people think that brushing twice a day is enough to have clean teeth. The problem is that we don’t spend enough time brushing our teeth during each session.

The average person spends about 30 seconds to a minute brushing their teeth. Experts recommend dedicating at least two minutes to this task as it helps remove more plaque.

In fact, a study has found that brushing the teeth for two minutes removed 26 percent more plaque than brushing for 45 seconds. Furthermore, doing it for three minutes removed 55 percent more plaque than brushing for just 30 seconds.

If you have trouble figuring out how long you’ve brushed or if two minutes feels like an eternity to you, try listening to a song or watching a short Youtube video while you do it. Those two minutes will fly by, and your teeth will be plaque-free.

2. Floss and Do It the Right Way:

While nearly everyone brushes their teeth on a daily basis, only 40 percent of Americans floss every day and 20 percent don’t floss at all.

Even though flossing is just as important as brushing, for some reason, it’s taken a back seat.

Flossing does a lot more than just remove that big piece of spinach you got stuck in your teeth while eating dinner. It helps:

Remove and prevent dental plaque
Prevent gum disease
Increases the effectiveness of brushing
Reduces inflammation in your gums

Of course, you also need to make sure you’re flossing the right way.

Use a piece of floss that is at least 18 inches long. This will help ensure you’re using a fresh piece of floss for every tooth rather than reinserting bacteria you just removed.

If you struggle to get to each space in between your teeth, consider buying disposable floss picks or investing in a Waterpik.

3. Clean and Change Your Toothbrush:

Contrary to popular belief, it’s no need to cover your brush after using it. In fact, this may actually cause new bacteria to breed.

Instead, simply rinse your toothbrush after using it and allow it to air dry. Also, never share your toothbrush with anyone, even family members.

Remember to change out your toothbrush (or brush head if you use an electric toothbrush) every few months or so. Using it for more than a few months won’t allow you to get the best clean as possible.

4. Use the Right Brushing Technique:

Most people tend to brush their teeth in a back and forth horizontal motion.

However, this brushing technique will not give you the best clean. Instead, hold your toothbrush at an angle of 45 degrees and brush your teeth using short back and forth strokes.

Then, clean the backs of your teeth and front anterior area by holding the toothbrush vertical and brushing with small strokes.

If brushing the right way seems like a pain to you, invest in an electric toothbrush. Electric models take care of the motion for you – all you have to do is make sure you’re hitting the backs and fronts of each tooth.

Also, don’t forget to brush your tongue as well. Plaque can build up on your tongue, which may lead to oral health problems and bad odors. A gentle, quick brush of the tongue is enough to keep it clean and healthy.

5. Watch What You Eat and Drink:

Unfortunately, certain drinks and foods aren’t just bad for our waistline; they’re bad for our teeth as well.

What you eat and drink can have a major effect on your oral health, so it’s important to be aware of what foods and beverages are good for your teeth and which ones are not.

When it comes to beverages, water is undoubtedly the best one for your teeth. Drinking water after every meal helps remove some of the negative effects of acidic and sticky foods.

Beverages that should be avoided include sodas, juices, coffee, dark teas, and red wine. Sodas and juices contain sugars and acids that can wear your teeth down and cause bacterial growth. Coffee, teas, and wine tend to stain your teeth.

Crunchy fruits and veggies, certain types of cheese, and fish are all teeth-friendly foods. Avoid candies, white bread and simple carbs, and anything with high amounts of sugar.

6. Visit Your Dentist Every Six Months:

One of the most important things to do is visit your dentist every six months.

The dentist does a lot more than just get your teeth cleaned. He can also remove plaque buildup, identify cavities and other oral health problems, screen for oral cancer, and take X-rays of your teeth to keep track of their progress.

Even if you brush and floss every day, it’s still very important to visit your dentist twice per year.

This company can show you more services that a dentist offers.

Ready to Put These Dental Care Tips to Good Use?

As you can see, there are lots of dental care tips that can go a long way toward good oral health.

If you have any questions about these tips, let us know in the comments below.

Looking for advice to keep your smile healthy? Click here to find out more!

Read Also:

Ariana Smith

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

View all posts

How To Help Sensitive Teeth After Whitening?

A brighter, whiter smile can boost your confidence and self-esteem. And teeth whitening treatment is the best way to get that Hollywood glam smile. But teeth whitening treatments often come at a cost- sensitivity. Sensitive teeth are a common side effect usually seen with over-the-counter bleaching treatments. Such kits are easy to use and can whiten your smile within a few minutes. But they tend to make your teeth sensitive to hot, cold, or even acidic foods. So we asked Dr. Ernesto Carmona, a cosmetic dentist from Austin, Tx on how to deal with sensitive teeth after a teeth whitening procedure. And here’s everything you need to do if your teeth have turned sensitive after a whitening procedure. What Causes Teeth Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening Teeth whitening procedures use a special bleaching agent like hydrogen peroxide to lighten your teeth' color. These kits are available in the form of strips or rinses that penetrate the enamel to whiten it. But peroxide can also weaken your enamel layer and reveal the inner dentin layer of the tooth. Dentin has a lot of nerve endings that get stimulated by hot and cold temperatures resulting in instant pain sensation. Sometimes, even foods that are acidic or have high amounts of sugar can result in dentin sensitivity. How To Reduce Teeth Sensitivity After Whitening Procedure The first thing you need to do is read the instructions and after-care tips on the teeth whitening kit. It is always recommended to use the kit for the stipulated period to minimize contact with the harsh chemicals present in bleaches. You must also avoid any further treatments to avoid worsening symptoms. If you have experienced sensitivity after a professional teeth whitening procedure at your dentist's office, or the symptoms have worsened after a home whitening kit, call them up to schedule a check-up and seek medical care. Teeth sensitivity after whitening procedures usually goes away within a few weeks. Your dentist can suggest desensitizing products like rinses and toothpaste to help you out during the period. You can even try OTC toothpaste with high-fluoride content to protect your teeth from sensitivity. And avoid eating or drinking food that is too hot, cold, and acidic. Dr. Carmona also recommends using a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle pressure until the issue is resolved. Tips To Avoid Sensitive Teeth You can reduce sensitivity by keeping your mouth hydrated and avoiding foods that trigger sensitivity. But most importantly, avoid brushing too hard or using a harsh toothbrush; this will only irritate the sensitive enamel even more. If you still experience discomfort after following these instructions, consult with your dentist about other options that may help. A professional teeth whitening procedure performed by a dentist is always safer as they use the right products and techniques to protect your enamel. So you can visit Dr. Ernesto Carmona for more advice on how to get whiter teeth. He will suggest the best treatment to get whiter teeth safely and reduce sensitivity. So, if you live in Austin, the teeth whitening cost by Dr. Carmona can be found out by consulting him at his clinic Austin Prosthodontics. So call up his clinic or visit his website today to schedule your appointment. Read Also: Is It Healthier To Have Dentures? Do I Have To Pay Out Of Pocket For Wisdom Teeth Removal? 5 Little Changes That Can Make Your Teeth-Brushing More EffectiveDental Implants Teeth Whitening in Reasonable Price in a Professional Dental Centre

Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: Signs, Symptoms and Who Is At Risk?

It is not uncommon to have a drink at the end of a hard day’s work or enjoy a glass of champagne at a social celebration. However, some people find it difficult to limit their alcohol intake to occasional use and they risk losing control of their drinking and developing alcohol use disorder or AUD. Fortunately, there is plenty of outpatient and inpatient alcohol abuse rehab options available across the country to help. When a person is frequently drinking too much and too often and are no longer able to control their alcohol consumption, it can signal a bigger problem. There are two different issues caused by regularly drinking too much. One is termed alcohol abuse and the other alcoholism which is also referred to as alcohol dependency. Both conditions carry their own risks although individuals are able to recover from even the most severe forms of AUD with the right kind of inpatient or outpatient alcohol rehab. Although both of these terms are commonly used interchangeably, there are significant differences between the two conditions. Individuals who are abusing alcohol frequently drink to excess which results in them indulging in risky behavior and exercising poor judgment. A person who has alcoholism, on the other hand, has developed a physical need to consume alcohol in order for them to feel okay. Alcohol abuse and alcoholism are significant issues in America, with around 18 million people struggling with alcohol use according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. This is why it is crucial to find a reliable alcohol and drug rehab facility. Both conditions place individuals at risk of developing serious health conditions and even certain cancers. Alcohol also heightens the symptoms of any other health issues including heart disease, circulatory problems, and osteoporosis. What Are the Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism? When there is a high concentration of alcohol present in a person’s bloodstream, they will exhibit the following behaviors: Slurred speech and lethargy Slowed reflexes Decreased mobility Lack of focus and difficulty concentrating Poor judgment and taking unnecessary risks Blackouts and loss of short-term memory High levels of alcohol can cause respiratory problems, coma, and death There are also other hazards associated with drinking to excess that place individuals at risk including: Injuries caused by falls or accidents Drowning Fighting and brawling Suicide Driving under the influence Because alcohol is a depressant and many people use it in order to de-stress or “numb” themselves from difficult situations. This often makes individuals more susceptible to becoming reliant on alcohol as a crutch to help them get through the day. The symptoms of alcohol abuse include the following: Using alcohol to relax or de-stress Consistently driving under the influence of alcohol Increasing problems with close personal relationships Neglecting responsibilities at home or work Legal problems resulting from alcohol consumption Alcoholism is the most severe form of AUD and the symptoms include: Overwhelming cravings for alcohol that can’t be controlled An inability to quit drinking despite the damage it is doing to an individual’s health, career or personal relationships Being deceptive about how much the individual drinks and becoming combative if challenged Attempts to conceal alcohol consumption including hiding bottles in unusual places around the home or office A preoccupation with consuming alcohol that makes them unreliable at home or work Drinking without the knowledge of loved ones and friends Being unable to get through the day without using alcohol When someone has been abusing alcohol, they are often in denial of there being a problem. However, it is possible for others to see the warning signs and they can recognize that their loved one needs to enter an alcohol abuse rehab center. It is not unusual for people to become aggressive or defensive if challenged about how much they drink, and they are likely to take the criticism personally. If loved ones of addicts want to ensure they enter an alcohol abuse rehab center, it is worth using the services of an intervention specialist to help get them admitted. Who Is at Risk for Alcoholism? There are numerous factors to consider when diagnosing individuals with alcohol abuse or alcoholism and there is no stereotypical sufferer. Some people initially start drinking due to a lack of confidence in social situations, whereas others may use alcohol to help them cope with stress or other problems in their lives. Issues with alcohol can also be genetic, although a history of alcohol abuse or alcoholism in the family does not necessarily mean all future generations will suffer. Ultimately, the exact cause of AUD is often much more obscure than it seems, which is something that is best addressed in therapy in an alcohol abuse rehab setting. Individuals experiencing the following are more likely to deal with their problems by using alcohol: Depression Loneliness Emotional stress Boredom When alcohol use and abuse is driven by emotional issues or in response to a traumatic event, it is often more complex to treat. This is mainly because people develop a tolerance to alcohol that makes them want to drink progressively more to get the feeling they originally enjoyed. This progressively increased intake of alcohol leads to an accumulation of toxic chemicals in the body which often has a widespread effect on the individual's overall well-being. Elevate uses the holistic approach to treating alcohol abuse and alcoholism that seeks to gently heal patients and set them on a path to recovery. Holistic therapies address the underlying issues driving alcohol abuse through a variety of natural techniques and practices. In order to overcome issues with alcohol, it is important to heal the person as a whole in terms of their physical, emotional, and psychological health. Holistic therapies used in alcohol abuse rehab provide patients with tools that empower them to achieve and sustain long-term recovery. Read Also: How 12-Step Works As Addiction Recovery Support Addiction Treatment: 11 Tips To Find The Best Rehabilitation Center

Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory In Adult Gerontology Nursing

Any Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP), or individual considering moving into this booming area, will probably be aware that it involves more than supporting patients through short term illnesses or meeting their needs in a hospital or nursing home. As a rule, the older a patient gets, the more likely they are to experience chronic health complications which interfere with their day-to-day tasks. For much of history, such patients were written off, encouraged to take to their beds and be supported entirely by others, doing very little. They often didn’t live very long. But all that changed on account of one remarkable nurse, Dorothea Orem, whose legacy continues to shape the nursing profession today. This article examines her groundbreaking self-care deficit theory and looks at how AGNPs might use it for their nursing career. Dorothea Orem Dorothea Orem was born in Baltimore in 1914 and studied nursing in the late 1930s. This was a time when nursing schools were still a new phenomenon and there was a lot of experimental thinking in the nascent profession. Though she spent time on the wards as a staff nurse, she also worked as an administrator and consultant over the course of her career, spending her later years focusing on theory. A naturally focused and attentive person, she soon began recording observations about the patients she worked with, leading to her self-care deficit theory of nursing, for which she strongly advocated for her entire life. It was theory which, in its early years, transformed the way nurses thought about patients and their duties. It laid the foundations for nursing today. Universal Self-Care Requisites Orem’s theory recognizes eight universal self-care requisites, or SCRs. Here, universal refers to things every human needs, regardless of circumstance. Air is needed for respiration. Water is needed to maintain a healthy level of hydration. Food is needed to maintain healthy energy levels and prevent starvation. Elimination or toileting, a polite way of referring to the expulsion of urine and feces from the body, is required too. In addition to these four things, Orem posits that every patient needs a balance of physical activity and rest. Everyone needs social interaction, but also some alone time. People need to manage their lives to avoid or remove hazards, and, finally, they need to promote normality. This means that they need to achieve and maintain a way of living and relating to the world which is normal for them as individuals and does not involve psychosis. Health Deviation Self-Care Requisites When patients are recovering from injury or illness, or living with a chronic illness or disability, they can be described as experiencing a health deviation. This is not pejorative – it simply establishes that they differ from the norm. Health deviations are more common in older demographics, as they have additional self-care requisites. These requisites include following doctors’ instructions (taking medicine on time), identifying problems caused by their conditions and attending to them effectively (sitting down until a dizzy spell passes), and knowing when and how to seek help from a caregiver or healthcare professional. It is also important that these patients can understand and accept that their bodies have changed and can adjust psychologically to cope with it. What Is A Self-Care Deficit? A self-care deficit occurs when people are no longer able to carry out basic tasks. This can be because a disability makes them physically impossible to perform, or a number of other reasons. For example, some people get so overwhelmed by the way their bodies have changed that they stop trying to live. This doesn’t mean that they don’t deserve sympathy – it is an understandable response to an extreme situation – but it might mean that there is potential for improvement. For some people, self-care deficits are permanent or are likely to worsen due to progressive illnesses. For others, however, they can be temporary, even in extreme old age. Self-care deficits stemming from a broken arm, for example, will normally dissipate after the arm heals, but this is less likely if the patient has learned to feel helpless in the meantime. Assessment, Diagnosis, And Implementation When using Orem’s theory, nurses have three steps to work through. The first is undertaken during the initial assessment of a new patient and involves identifying any self-care deficits. These are not always obvious from looking at a patient and the process may require gentle but persistent questioning. Some people may be embarrassed and hesitant to talk if they are unable to care for themselves. The second involves full diagnosis of the deficits, including establishing causes. The third step is to draw up a treatment plan based on these diagnoses. In her work, Orem stressed the importance of recognizing that every patient is a unique individual, so there is no one-size-fits-all approach to this type of planning. In each case, AGNPs will need to work with the patient to establish the most effective way forward. Five Ways Nurses Can Help There are five strategies nurses can use to address self-care deficits when establishing patient care plans: For the most severely incapacitated patients, it may be necessary to perform actions on their behalf, such as washing or dressing them. Patients struggling mentally or who lack confidence can be guided through actions, ideally to the point of independence. Patients can be taught new ways of approaching day to day tasks which make them easier to accomplish, such as taking a break to have a shower in the afternoon if it is too hard to find the energy at other times. AGNPs can focus on the patient’s environment, making it easier for them to carry out self-care activities, such as suggesting kitchen gadgets to reduce the physical effort involved in preparing meals. Finally, AGNPs can train a family caregiver to provide appropriate support. These five strategies involve numerous actions, skills, and tools that nurses can use. Patients may need particular assistance with the following tasks. Helping With Eating Patients should always be encouraged to do as much for themselves as is reasonably possible. When it comes to eating, nurses should start with encouragement. Many older people lose their appetite and don’t feel motivated to eat, especially when it requires effort. So, an AGNP can point out that they have more energy when they manage to eat regular meals. If the patient can get food to their mouth by themselves, nurses should resist the temptation to assist, even if they sometimes drop the food. Instead, nurses can reassure them that this is not uncommon and all they need to do is take a little more time. Nurses should also be alert to the possibility of choking issues and arrange X-rays if concerned. If some food proves difficult to eat, they can discuss the possibility of dietary adjustments. Helping With Toileting Nurses should reassure patients that, awkward as they may feel, there is nothing to be embarrassed about. The nurse must ensure they can transfer on and off the toilet safely and consider options like raising the height of the seat or installing grab. If there is a risk of falling, AGNPs may suggest bedpans for use when no caregiver is present. If adult diapers are needed, nurses should ensure that patients know how and when to change them (even if they are not soiled) and how to protect their skin against rashes or bruises caused by wearing them. Finally, nurses can also discuss medical options for softening stools or speeding up or slowing down digestive transit. Helping With Dressing And Grooming A balance must be struck between helping patients be more independent in dressing and grooming themselves and enabling them to maintain a style or standard of appearance that is natural for them. Some older men prefer to be clean shaven but end up growing beards because it is easier to trim a beard than it is to shave safely and neatly, for example. Some clothing options can be easier to get into than others, depending on a patient’s particular mobility difficulties. Simple devices such as a stick with a hook on the end can make adjusting the back of a garment or doing up a zip much easier. Nurses should pay particular attention to footwear to make sure patients can stand or walk safely. Reducing Hazards Whether a nurse is helping a patient to move around and complete self-care tasks in a hospital ward, a care home, or their own home, they must always pay attention to hazard prevention. Hazards can include mess, a layout created without regard for disability, or other people or pets moving around. Nurses can start by ensuring that the patient is aware of the risks and can recognize dangerous situations. They should discuss simple measures like installing handrails or changing routines to make it easier to keep the area tidy. Nurses can also ensure that the patient can summon help if something goes wrong, by persuading them to install an alarm system or carry a charged mobile phone at all times, for example. Care With Communication Often, older patients who have self-care deficits also have difficulty with communication, whether due to physical or cognitive disability. Depending on their lifestyle in recent years, they may also be unfamiliar with modern technologies, but shy about admitting this. It is important for nurses to make sure that when they are addressing issues around essential needs, the patient understand them properly and vice versa. It can be helpful to use pictures in communication, which are often available in support materials. When meeting a patient in the place they are going to be living, the nurse and patient can explore it together (in stages, if necessary) so both parties can directly identify issues. Seeing Each Patient As An Individual An essential tenet of Orem’s theory is that patients must be treated as individuals. This increases the chance that they will stick to treatment plans, as well as directly improving their psychological wellbeing. Any nurse that’s interested in Orem’s theory and is considering joining this field will be looking into gerontology nurse practitioner programs online. The best courses place a lot of emphasis on adaptability and on learning how to manage different types of patients in different environments. The program at the University of Indianapolis, for example, encourages students to develop the patience and listening skills essential to getting to know patients and making them a part of the process. This communication and relationship building is essential to developing plans which will really benefit patients over the long term. The course at the University of Indianapolis is an eight-semester program designed for working nurses, involving part-time study and an intensive clinical placement. The Nursing Profession Continues To Benefit Thanks to Orem and her self-care deficit theory, patients are no longer left to waste away as they begin to struggle with old age. Generations of nurses who have practiced this theory have observed that, even in later life, patients can often improve and regain their self- care abilities with the right support. Advances in assistive technologies continue to make this even easier. The right support, focused on facilitating and encouraging independence, enables seniors to go on living satisfying lives on their own terms for much longer. Even when they need extensive practical support, giving them more control helps to maintain their morale and ability to navigate the final chapter of their lives. In the process of providing this support, AGNPs also get what they really want; to see their patients thrive, no matter what they must overcome to achieve it. Additionals: 8 Awesome Health Benefits Of Dark Chocolate Psychedelic Therapy for Mental Health Conditions How Does Children’s Health Impact Parental Lifestyle?

Dental Health: 6 Essential Dental Care Tips You Need to Know

1. Brush More:

2. Floss and Do It the Right Way:

3. Clean and Change Your Toothbrush:

4. Use the Right Brushing Technique:

5. Watch What You Eat and Drink:

6. Visit Your Dentist Every Six Months:

Ready to Put These Dental Care Tips to Good Use?

5 New Year’s Resolutions for a Healthier You in 2019

Understanding The Global Phase Clinical Trials Market

Tags

Ariana Smith

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Popular

Technologies For Creating A Startup Idea

How to Download Facebook Videos on Android?

7 Rules of Effective Ecommerce Web Design

The 10 WordPress Plugins Every Sucessful Blogger Uses

Follow Us

Recent

Night vs. Day Moisturisers: What’s The Difference And Why It Matters

Flipping Houses: A Beginner’s Roadmap To Real Estate Success

Boost Online Visibility With THESE 3 Smart Strategies + Bonus!

Egyptian Cotton Sheets: The Ultimate Choice For People With Sensitive Skin

Related

How To Help Sensitive Teeth After Whitening?

Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: Signs, Symptoms and Who Is At Risk?

Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory In Adult Gerontology Nursing

Dental Health: 6 Essential Dental Care Tips You Need to Know

1. Brush More:

2. Floss and Do It the Right Way:

3. Clean and Change Your Toothbrush:

4. Use the Right Brushing Technique:

5. Watch What You Eat and Drink:

6. Visit Your Dentist Every Six Months:

Ready to Put These Dental Care Tips to Good Use?

Share this Article

5 New Year’s Resolutions for a Healthier You in 2019

Understanding The Global Phase Clinical Trials Market

Tags

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

Related