How to Take Better Care of Your Mouth

Proper cleaning of teeth and gums helps to keep your mouth healthy. Decaying teeth and gum disease can lead to infections in the blood, bones and tissues within the mouth if left untreated. As you age, your enamel, the protective coating on the outside of our teeth, wears thin, allowing greater chances for cavities to form. By performing routine care for your mouth, tooth decay and gum disease should stay at bay.

Things You'll Need

• Toothpaste
• Soft-bristle toothbrush
• Mouthwash
• Dental floss
• Sugar-free gum and candy

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Instructions

• 1

  Brush teeth after each meal with toothpaste containing fluoride and a soft-bristle toothbrush. Run the toothbrush forward and back on the tops of teeth, and in rotating motions on the sides of teeth. Brush the inner sides of the teeth also.

• 2

  Brush your tongue with the toothbrush. Do not poke the toothbrush too far back on your tongue as it can trigger the gag reflex. Rinse your mouth after brushing with a fluoride mouthwash. Fluoride protects teeth, lessening the chance of tooth decay.

• 3

  Pull a long strip of dental floss from its container and cut it off using the built-in blade on the floss case. Wrap the ends of the dental floss around a finger on each hand. Place the dental floss between two teeth starting at the back on the top. Run the floss between and around the teeth, close to the gum line to dislodge tiny pieces of food. Trapped food between the teeth start decaying the enamel leading to cavities. Rinse with cool water after flossing.

• 4

  Drink plenty of water to avoid a dry mouth. A dry mouth can lead to infection and tooth decay. Chew sugar-free gum or candy to alleviate dry mouth symptoms.

• 5

  Avoid cigarette and pipe smoking or chewing tobacco; both discolor teeth and may lead to oral cancer.