Fix your hot breath!
Odds are that you aren’t as good with your oral care as you should be. Your dentist is like Santa Claus: He’s knows when you’ve been naughty. Not brushing properly could lead to major mouth problems down the road. So check out these handy tips and put some elbow grease into your next routine. And don’t forget to visit your dentist every six months!
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Get a legit toothbrush
Whether it’s generic or fancy, just make sure it’s ADA approved. And toss it out every three months, you filthy animal.
Slow and steady wins the race.
Dentists recommend you get toothbrushes with soft bristles, not hard. Hard bristles can damage your enamel and gums.
For gums sake! Don’t brush too hard.
To get the right amount of pressure, try holding your toothbrush between your forefinger and thumb. Don’t use the rest of your hand, or you’ll be tempted to press too hard. What’s wrong with too much pressure? It’ll irritate your gums and wear away your teeth’s natural enamel.
Don’t brush immediately after eating
This can also wear down your precious enamel.
Don’t eat right after you’ve brushed
The fluoride from your toothpaste can be whisked away if you eat right away.
Time yourself while you brush.
Divide your mouth into quadrants and spend 30 seconds on each quadrant. Keep a watch in your bathroom to help you out.
Bad breath? Brush your tongue!
Try breathing out while you brush — this should help to suppress the gag reflex.
Don’t forget to floss!
There are stinky, nasty bits that live between your teeth that won’t come out with just brushing. Flossing is super important. If you don’t want to fumble with the string, they sell little floss picks that make it a breeze.
Skip the mouthwash
Mouthwash can make your breath smell better, but it’s not really important for your mouth’s health (unless you have a prescription mouthwash).