Life Fright

Please note that these are reiterations of what I have been told/what I have learned. Always do your own research before practicing or implementing the advice of others!

1. Wait After Brushing

Brush your teeth and wait 30 minutes before eating. The age-old question of whether to brush your teeth before or after you eat has been up for debate, but really before is the best. While you sleep, bacteria in your mouth have been replicating and generating bad breath, etc. and you need to kick that to the curb by reducing the bad bacteria building up. That and preventing any plaque from becoming tartar.

2. What’s the Best Flossing Method?

A water flosser is not completely necessary. String flossing is just as or slightly more effective. You may prefer the convenience of a water flosser especially if you have braces. Just be aware that it may be a messy endeavor.

3. Limit Ultra-Processed Foods

Reduce the consumption of foods that are sticky, sugary, or crunchy in nature. You know, all of those ultra-processed foods that the bad bacteria in your mouth love. Cavities form when these bacteria consume edible remnants in your mouth and produce acid wearing down the enamel of your teeth.

4. Brush Just Right

Don’t brush too hard. Doing this can wear away your gumline and boom you have a receding gumline. If your toothbrush has bristles splayed outwards, then you may be brushing too hard. Ease up on the pressure! Some electric toothbrush models have a light-up sensor that alerts you to when you are exerting too much pressure.

5. Select a Softer Toothbrush

Use soft-bristle toothbrushes. Hard-bristle toothbrushes are too much and can cause you to brush too aggressively leading to gum damage. You should be working with and not against your teeth. Treat them with care!