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What is charcoal toothpaste?

Manufactured with active charcoal, these toothpaste formulas help eliminate stains and toxins on the surface of the teeth. They’re also mildly abrasive, which allows them to polish and absorb all kinds of stains.

Toothpaste manufacturers claim charcoal toothpaste whitens the teeth by dulling or removing the stains on the enamel of teeth. However, there isn’t much credible evidence to corroborate these effects or understand how charcoal works to whiten teeth. 

Does charcoal toothpaste work to whiten teeth?

Charcoal first emerged as a dynamically useful oral-health ingredient when Hippocrates recommended it, and the ancient Greeks adopted its regular use. During the 1930s and 40s, charcoal chewing gums and powders emerged as popular products that freshened the mouth and promoted dental hygiene. 

Today, the market is ripe with charcoal toothpaste brands, floss, and mouthwash that appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. These products come with the promise of whitening teeth and detoxifying the mouth. 

Activated charcoal is a prominent treatment for overdoses and poisons, and it can readily absorb chemicals and toxins. A review published in the Journal of the American Dental Association reveals charcoal toothpaste to be effective and beneficial. The review examined several charcoal toothpaste brands and confirmed their ability to detoxify and whiten teeth. 

Another study, published in the Journal of Applied Oral Sciences, attempted to study the benefits of charcoal alongside other teeth-whitening agents. The researchers stained cow’s teeth with concentrated black tea and utilized several products to evaluate their performance. While activated charcoal didn’t claim the top spot, it did show some compelling benefits. 

The study revealed activated charcoal is a whitening agent that works by creating a coating around the enamel. This temporarily makes the teeth appear whiter and cleaner. The researchers discovered that using activated charcoal for four weeks led to credible teeth whitening effects. Research also showed abrasive compounds in charcoal whiten teeth by removing a layer of the tooth enamel, which carries risks with long-term use. 

Enamel is the hard outer layer of our teeth, and it’s instrumental in preventing tooth decay. Removing this layer can make the teeth immensely vulnerable, sensitive, and weakened. It can also cause the teeth to become more yellow. 

Many dental experts have voiced their concerns over the potential injuries regular use of charcoal can cause to the teeth. However, existing research on activated charcoal toothpaste fails to examine the safety and toxicity of these dental products. We always recommend you find a dentist for consultation if you have specific dental issues or hygiene-related concerns. 

Is charcoal toothpaste safe?

Before asking yourself “does charcoal toothpaste work?”, you should ask yourself “is charcoal toothpaste safe?”. Further research is required to examine the long-term side-effects and benefits of using charcoal toothpaste. Existing research has given us the following safety precautions:

• Avoid using charcoal toothpaste daily, given its mildly abrasive composition. Regular use of an abrasive product can damage your enamel, causing the teeth to look excessively yellow due to the exposed dentin. It can also make your teeth more sensitive.
• Most of the charcoal toothpaste brands are devoid of fluoride. Fluoride is a vital ingredient that strengthens the tooth enamel and builds a strong defense against tooth decay and cavities. There is some credible evidence that associates charcoal toothpaste with an increased risk of tooth decay.
• Charcoal can cause stains as its particles can build-up in the crevices and cracks of aged teeth – as well as on on dental restorations, bridges, crowns, and white fillings. Charcoal can accumulate, creating an unsightly black outline. 

What are the benefits of charcoal toothpaste?

Charcoal toothpaste offers the following benefits:

• It can aid in eliminating surface stains on the teeth
• It can clean the stains underneath the enamel 
• It helps eliminate bad breath by refreshing the mouth

What are the disadvantages of charcoal toothpaste?

Using an activated charcoal toothpaste comes with the following cons:

• Its abrasive composition can damage the tooth enamel, giving the teeth a yellow appearance 
• It fails to remove stains underneath the enamel 
• Regular use can make the teeth highly sensitive
• Most charcoal toothpaste brands do not contain fluoride, which is vital to fight off tooth decay and cavities 
• It’s not recommended for those who have undergone dental restorations, such as crowns, bridges, white fillings, and veneers
• There’s little research regarding its long-term safety and benefits 

How often should I use charcoal toothpaste?

Little is known about the exact effects or long-term safety, so it’s wise to use charcoal toothpaste occasionally. Using it once a week or four times a month is a safer choice than regular use. Maybe even adopt charcoal toothpaste as a  bi-monthly deep-clean ritual. 

What is the best charcoal toothpaste?

Here are the best charcoal toothpaste brands in the market, based on popularity rankings and expert opinion: 

• Hello Oral Care Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
• Tom’s of Maine Charcoal Fluoride Free Toothpaste
• Olivia Care Activated Whitening Charcoal Tooth Polish
• Schmidt’s Activated Charcoal with Wondermint
• Colgate Essentials with Charcoal Toothpaste
• My Magic Mud Charcoal Toothpaste
• Dental Expert Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
• Cali White Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitening Toothpaste

Alternatives for teeth whitening

If you’re unconvinced by the potential benefits of activated charcoal toothpaste, you can explore other teeth whitening alternatives. 

Several natural home remedies can prove effective, but not as effective as commercial products and dental procedures. It’s best to consult your dentist to find out the most effective option for your specific teeth and dental hygiene. 

These remedies include: 

• Hydrogen peroxide, which helps eliminate stains
• Baking soda
• Apple cider vinegar, which has been used for centuries 

Keep in mind these ingredients mentioned above are mildly harsh and may not prove suitable for everyone. Consult your dentist to learn more about safety precautions and sensitivity issues. Maintaining regular dental hygiene and regular brushing and flossing is vital to eliminate stains and whiten teeth naturally. It is also advisable to reduce the consumption of coffee, tea, and wine for a naturally whiter smile. 

You might also explore in-clinic whitening solutions for more effective results and higher safety standards. There are lots of safe and highly effective teeth whitening alternatives, many of which are approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). Dentists can also prescribe medically tested teeth whitening products to their patients.

Some in-clinic and medically tested alternatives include:

• Whitening strips
• In-clinic whitening treatment
• Teeth whitening products

Some dentists even offer supervised whitening sessions at home. If you’re shopping for whitening products, be sure to consult your dentist for a prescription. It’s also vital to look for the ADA seal of approval before buying a product. 

More importantly, make sure your dental products include fluoride, hydrogen peroxide, and blue covarine. These whitening products are immensely effective and much safer than activated charcoal. 

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Being the last of the molars and the last to erupt, complications due to wisdom teeth are fairly common. They can even cause tooth movement, oftentimes reversing previously received or ongoing orthodontic treatment. Therefore, when a dentist says these teeth need to be removed, there’s just no other way.

Despite the reputation of how painful and terrible recovery post- oral surgery can be, in most cases, the cause of such stress is due to the negligence of after-care and unawareness of how to manage the open extraction site properly.

So we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of 10 things you must do for recovery, proven by facts, experience, and statistics. If you want to learn how to avoid post-surgery complications and reduce post-operative pain upon removal of wisdom teeth, continue reading the instruction list below.

1. Don’t Spit

Immediately after the removal of a wisdom tooth, blood and saliva may pool in the mouth. Simultaneously, the body’s defense system forms a blood clot as a plug in the extraction site to stop the bleeding and begin healing. Removing blood/saliva from your mouth has to be done with utmost care, making sure that there is no spitting force that would potentially create a vacuum in the mouth that could dislodge the healing blood clot. The recommended way to do so is by opening your mouth slightly over a sink and letting the blood/saliva flow out while tilting your head forward. Creating a suction pressure in the mouth and dislodging the naturally occurring blood clot in the extraction area can cause painful complications such as a dry socket

2. Do Not Use Straws

As explained above, preserving the blood clot is of utmost importance; another way to ensure that it remains intact is by avoiding the use of straws after the procedure until healing has occurred. The use of straws, just like spitting, creates a suction pressure in the mouth that should be avoided.

3. Eat Soft and Slightly Cold Food

Post-surgery it is recommended not to have anything very hot or very cold at least in the first 24 hours after the extraction. Most dentists recommend slightly melted ice cream for a cooling effect after a same-day wisdom tooth extraction. In general, food items that are soft and slightly cold, requiring very minimal chewing forces, are considered best to consume. Some examples of acceptable food are:

• Yogurt
• Mashed Potatoes and Vegetables
• Soup (warm but not hot)
• Pudding
• Bananas
• Soft bread
• Applesauce
• Porridge

While chewing, attempts should be made to try and chew on the opposite side of the mouth from the extraction site, It’s important to be mindful to chew carefully so as not to bite your cheek or lip that may still be numb from anesthesia shortly after the procedure. It is also advised to avoid any hot drinks such as coffee and tea for the first 24 hours; however, they can be taken warm. Ideally, the soft diet should be continued for at least 48 hours after surgery.

4. Use Warm Saltwater Rinses

After 24 hours have passed since the extraction procedure, you should now begin saltwater rinses. The way to do this is by warming up a cup of tap water and adding a levelled teaspoon of salt and stirring it into the water. Rinse gently with the salt solution, holding it in the mouth for a minute and swishing it around. Saltwater rinses help curb infections, stop food from lodging in areas where brushing with a toothbrush may not be possible, provide relief to inflamed tissues in the mouth, and help ease the gums by promoting quicker healing. You should do this at least 3 to 4 times a day for about a week, especially after meals.

5. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol

Smoking and alcohol should be off-limits on the day of and for 24 hours post-surgery. Smoking reduces blood circulation which can, in turn, affect healing. The smoke itself in the mouth can trigger and delay wound healing, possibly leading to infections if a blood clot has been dislodged or not formed yet. Alcohol is also discouraged, as its negative effect on the wound site can also lead to complications, including infections.

6. Take Your Medication on Time

One of the best ways to manage inevitable wisdom teeth removal pain and discomfort is by timely taking your prescribed medicines, on schedule. Taking painkillers at the right time ensures the therapeutic effect of stays consistent and stable, providing the best way to manage your pain. Following the routine allows a more efficient therapeutic effect and minimal distress.

7. Ice the Area

Icing the affected cheek area with an ice pack has been reported to manage inflammation, pain, and sometimes swelling. Care should be taken to moderately manage icing times and durations and to avoid ice packs completely if you have cold intolerance or hypersensitivity. 

8. Sleep with Your Head Elevated

To avoid the pooling of blood in the missing wisdom tooth area, it is advised to sleep with your head elevated for the first few nights after the procedure. Not doing so could cause the wound to throb and result in discomfort.

9. Avoid Strenuous Exercise

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends limiting strenuous activity for at least 24 hours after the extraction procedure to reduce chances of post-surgery bleeding and to minimize chances of blood clot dislodgment.

10. Don’t Miss Your Checkup Appointment

It is important to review and follow up with your dental practitioner at the time appointed to you, especially if you have had any stitches placed so they can be removed. You should visit your dentist earlier if you notice heavy bleeding, increased pain after surgery, foul taste or odor in the mouth, and fever during the recovery period.

Better Care Begins with Awareness

Knowing how to take care of your extraction site is the first step in proper management. All steps and efforts should be taken to follow your dental practitioner’s medical advice diligently and to practice methods that will promote faster healing. Straying from these instructions can come at the cost of a post-surgery infection or a hemorrhage which would further complicate and delay healing, not to mention increase pain and discomfort. Being careful and diligently following care instructions ensures quick recovery!

Dr. Hanaa Nasir is a dental professional who has worked for a well-recognized dental hospital in Pakistan, and is in the process of attaining her further education from Australia. Having graduated with honors, she is currently pursuing her Masters in Oral Surgery. Still in the early process of research based on Psychology and Dentistry, she aims to broaden dental care, and advocate for it to be integrated with mental health. Dr. Nasir dedicates most of her time to science and medicine, balancing it with her love of poetry and art. She is a regular contributor to the Rockwest Dental Clinic.

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How Often Should You Visit Your Dentist?

Over 100 million Americans do not visit their dentist consistently every year, and this has significant repercussions on the oral health of the population. Indeed, regular visits to the dentist are required to maintain good oral health. That being said, you are probably asking yourself the following question: How often do I have to visit my dentist? The answer to this question varies, contrary to most expectations. In this article, you will find the answer to the above question and an explanation of its reasoning.

The typical twice-a-year recommendation:

Truth or Myth?

You’ve probably heard the recommendation that you should visit your dentist twice a year. However, as funny as it may sound, this recommendation originated from an advertisement for toothpaste and not from actual dental studies! This recommendation is a good rule of thumb for many people, but should not be applied to everyone – depending on their oral health needs, some people may need to visit their dentist more or less often.

So, why do some people need to see their dentist less often and why should others visit more frequently?

The only person who can give you a valid and precise answer to this question is … your dentist of course! As mentioned above, some people need to see their dentist more than twice a year, especially those with a greater risk of dental disease and other health conditions that require visits to their dentist every 3 months, or more. Patients with good oral health overall will probably need to visit only once every 12 to 24 months.

Who should go to the dentist more often?

Pregnant women

With hormonal changes during pregnancy, gums can become red, tender, and sore. In that case, your dentist might recommend additional cleanings during your second trimester and early third trimester to help control gingivitis – hence the importance of seeing your dentist more often when pregnant.

Diabetics

Since people with diabetes are more prone to gum disease, and since literature suggests that treating gum disease can help improve blood sugar control, having professional deep cleanings more often than twice a year is recommended for diabetic people.

• Smokers are more prone to periodontal diseases and more likely to have stained teeth, and therefore may need appointments more often.
• People with gum disease.
• People with a weak immune response.
• People who are prone to cavities or plaque build-up

Why are regular check-ups important?

They allow early detections of dental and oral issues, allowing better health management:

• Even if you brush your teeth twice a day and floss as recommended, you still need to visit your dentist. Patients are unable to detect things like cavities or gum disease before they get too advanced and painful. Regular visits make it possible for early detection of oral health problems, so patients can avoid them or halt their progress. An additional and major benefit is the fact that oral cancers are most often detected by dentists since they examine not only your teeth, but also your gums and mouth. These oral cancer screenings can therefore help detect cancerous lesions that can be more effectively treated when caught early.
• Ultimately, visiting your dentist as regularly as recommended will save you time, discomfort, and even money in the long run.

In conclusion, the better you take care of your teeth, the less chance you will have of developing cavities and oral health problems. In turn, you will need to visit your dentist less often. Brush your teeth twice a day as recommended, and do not hesitate to use dental floss, interdental brushes, or an oral irrigator. Your dentist might then lengthen the time between your visits! Always follow your dentist’s advice in terms of your next appointment for optimal oral health.

Suzanna Maria Sayegh graduated in Oral Pathology, earned a Master’s in Research and a Doctorate in Dental Surgery at the Saint-Joseph University of Beirut. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Aesthetic and Prosthetic Dentistry. It is her top priority to provide high-quality, minimally invasive dental care to each patient, respecting their individual goals and needs. She is currently writing for Bond Street Dental.

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Dental veneer types:

Generally, dental veneers are made of porcelain or composite resin. Porcelain veneers are more resistant to stains than resin veneers. They also better imitate the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth.  

What kind of issues are solved by dental veneers?

Veneers are regularly used to treat the following issues:

• Teeth that are discolored due to food, drink, or smoke staining
• Treatment of root canal
• Tooth stains caused by tetracycline or fluorosis
• Large filling of resins
• Teeth that have been worn down
• Teeth that have been chipped or lost

The cost of dental veneers

Insurers do not cover veneers since they are considered a cosmetic procedure. According to the Consumer Dentistry Guide, conventional veneers can cost an average of $925 to $2,500 per tooth, and they can last about 10 to 15 years. No-prep veneers cost between $800 and $2000 per tooth and last between 5 and 7 years. Traditional veneers are typically the most cost-effective option for the long term. However, your veneers’ cost will depend on factors like what type of veneers you want, what brand of veneers your dentist carries, the cost of living in your city, and the dentist’s expertise. 

Ultimately, it varies by type of veneer:

Composite veneers: Often known as direct veneers, these coatings are applied to the teeth during a single dental appointment and cost around $250 per tooth. They typically last from 5 to 7 years and then need to be replaced.

Porcelain veneers: Often known as indirect veneers, these coatings are custom-made to match your teeth, so they require two dental appointments for the procedure: One to match your teeth to the veneers, and another to position them. Porcelain veneers cost more than composite veneers, usually at least $1,000 per tooth, but last for at least 10 to 15 years and often even longer.

These veneers are more resistant and natural-looking than composite veneers. However, composite veneers are thinner, so fewer dental surfaces need to be removed before they are applied.  

Benefits of dental veneers

Veneers offer the following advantages:

• Offers a natural appearance to the tooth
• The gums handle porcelain well
• Porcelain veneers are immune to staining
• You may pick a shade to make dark teeth whiter
• They usually don’t need to be formed as much as crowns do, but they are more robust and look better

How are veneers applied on the teeth?

Based on records, it usually takes between one and two weeks after your dentist makes a mold to get your veneers back out of the lab. When your veneers are in, you should make an appointment to have them installed. At this visit, your dentist will check the fit, shape, and color of the veneers to make sure they are right for you.

First, the dentist brushes the teeth thoroughly. After doing this, they use a grinding tool to create a rougher texture for each tooth on which the veneer is to be applied. This makes it easier for the veneer to adhere to the tooth. Your dentist will then use dental cement to attach the veneer to the tooth. Finally, ultraviolet light is used to harden the cement quickly.

Veneer Process – What to Expect

Dental veneer treatment can be performed in two visits over six weeks. The visits are extensive and can entail several hours of review and dental planning. Dental offices usually have facilities that include sedation and audio / visual entertainment, and dental spas also provide massages and other treatments to help you relax and remain comfortable during your visit.

The evaluation and assessment phase of care is necessary to recognize any oral health issues that need to be addressed before the veneer placement. Your dentist will also work with you to pick the right color for your teeth from a unique hue map. Imaging technologies will provide you with a snapshot of your expected outcome and allow you to view successful before and after images from other cases. Treatment starts when the assessment is finished and a personalized plan has been designed.

Step by Step Procedure

There are a few phases to the veneer process. The dentist is likely to give you a local anaesthetic so you’ll be comfortable during the process of your veneer placement. Your natural tooth is then prepared by minimally reshaping it with a small handheld rotary cutting device called a bur to get the best match. If your treatment requires direct composite veneers, your dentist can apply a correctly shaded composite to your teeth, form the material, and harden it with a high-intensity light.

Additional layers of composite can be used to make the veneer the correct form and length of your smile. When all the composites are mounted, the veneers will be finished and polished using burs and polishers to produce a vital, natural smile.

If your treatment involves porcelain veneers, the dentist will make an impression of your teeth from which the mouth is molded. This impression can be sent to an outside dental laboratory where the veneers are professionally produced.

However, some dentists have an in-house dental laboratory and technicians to provide remedial and aesthetic treatments in less time. Other dentists have CAD/CAM chair technology and can render veneers in just one visit.

Dental Laboratories, CAD/CAM, and Timeframes

Dentists usually collaborate with outside dental laboratories to produce the required restorations. And, as mentioned, some dental laboratories use CAD/CAM technology to create veneers. If your procedure is performed in a dental laboratory, you may obtain a temporary appointment at the time of your training.

Temporary veneers offer a hint of the planned result, although it should be noted that temporary veneers will not always be used. If your treatment requires one or a few teeth and enough enamel remains on the surface, your dentist can forgo a temporary procedure.

Increased sensitivity can also occur if you have temporary positions or for a limited period after the final veneers have been mounted. During the placement appointment, your dentist will eliminate the timeframes and position the final veneers, after which they will review and modify to ensure optimum fit and color.

Recovery and Post-Process Treatment

Veneers are robust and have been shown to last for several years before they need to be replaced. Seeing your dentist and hygienist for routine exams and dental cleaning is vital for preserving your oral health and the durability of your recovery. Aftercare is also essential.

Chipped or broken porcelain veneers cannot be fixed, so your dentist can inform you of the expense and time associated with replacing damaged porcelain veneers.

Do not bite or chew hard objects such as nuts, shells, or bones to minimize injury risk, and don’t use your teeth to open or tear packets. Your dentist may also warn you to avoid some foods that can cause harm to you and your new veneers. Clean and floss your teeth as you usually would, and make sure to use a non-abrasive toothpaste. 

In general, veneers do not need special treatment. Continue to observe good oral hygiene habits, including brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash as usual. While porcelain veneers are resistant to stains, your dentist might recommend that you avoid staining foods and beverages (e.g., coffee, tea, or red wine).

Risks of dental veneers

• The procedure cannot be reversed.
• Veneers cost more than the bonding of composite resin.
• Typically, veneers cannot be fixed if they chip or crack.
• Since the enamel has been lost, the tooth may become more sensitive to hot and cold food and drinks.
• Though unlikely, the veneers could dislodge and fall off. So, do not bite your nails, chew on pencils, ice, or other hard objects, or otherwise place too much pressure on your teeth to reduce the risk of this happening.
• Veneers are not the right choice for people with oral health concerns (for example, those with decay or active gum disease), damaged teeth (due to deterioration, fracture, large dental fillings), or those who do not have enough existing enamel on the tooth surface. 
• People who clench and grit their teeth are poor candidates for porcelain veneers, as this can cause veneers to crack or chip.

Dental veneer substitutes

Alternatives to veneers include bonding and crowning. Veneers could be your best option if you want to alter your tooth shape more than just a little bit, like bonding, but not enough to require a crown.

Dental veneers can be used to treat: 

The main advantage of veneers is to enhance the quality of your teeth, giving you a brighter, more even smile. Dental veneers are sometimes used to treat the following cosmetic conditions:

• Chipped teeth
• Extreme discoloration or irregular coloring that cannot be corrected by whitening
• A gap in the teeth
• Smaller than average teeth
• Pointed teeth 

Summary 

Dental veneers are cosmetic devices that modify the appearance of a person’s teeth. Dental veneers enhance color, provide a natural tooth shape, minimize cracks, cover chips, and hide other minor tooth damage. Veneers can vary in cost and durability.

Porcelain veneers are usually healthier and last longer, but come with a far higher price. If you’re looking for a long-term solution for major cosmetic issues, dental veneers could be your ticket to a beautiful smile.

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1. Swap sugary drinks for water to maintain proper dental hygiene.

Consuming sugar is terrible for your overall health, but it can be detrimental to your oral hygiene. The bacteria left behind after consuming something sugary turns to acid. This acid will eat away at your tooth enamel and cause significant problems down the road. 

Pay attention to how much sugar you eat in a day. You may be surprised by just how much it is. Then try swapping your sugary drink of choice with water. Your teeth and your body will thank you!

2. Avoid starchy foods and add fresh crunchy produce to promote oral hygiene.

As bad as sugar is for your teeth, the American Dental Association has found starchy foods far worse. Why? Because starch breaks down into sugar, and it sticks around. 

When you eat starchy food, the particles often linger in your mouth. The result is food left sitting in and around your teeth, eating away at your enamel for an extended period of time. Try adding fresh, crisp produce to your diet instead. 

3. Don’t skip your nighttime brushing for a healthy dental check.

It is probably not news that your dentist recommends brushing twice a day. Despite that being a known fact, a Delta Dental study found that only 55% of Americans brush their teeth twice a day. 14% do it three or more times a day, and the rest brush once, or not at all. 

Not brushing your teeth before bed means that the sugar, starch, and bacteria from the day are left to sit and eat away at your enamel all night. That can have a devastating long term effect on your oral hygiene.

4. Brush your teeth and your tongue for better dental hygiene.

Your tongue can hold a lot of bacteria. If left untouched, that bacteria can spread throughout your mouth and body. This bacteria is a leading contributor to bad breath. 

Making tongue cleaning part of your regular oral hygiene routine is the best way to ensure it gets done twice a day as recommended. Use your toothbrush on your tongue for a few seconds or use a tongue scraper. As a bonus, you may find that food tastes better with a clean tongue.

5. Add mouthwash to your oral hygiene routine.

Mouthwash is an excellent tool for maintaining oral hygiene. Its many benefits include eliminating bacteria from hard to reach spaces in your mouth. Some mouthwashes can even strengthen enamel. 

Mouthwash is a quick and easy way to finish off any dental hygiene routine.  

6. Don’t smoke to maintain proper oral hygiene.

Smoking isn’t good for your overall health, but it is especially bad for your oral hygiene. According to the CDC, smokers are at twice the risk of gum disease. Worse yet, gum disease treatments are often less effective on smokers, leaving them with lasting severe health issues.

If you are a smoker, consider seeing a dentist near you as soon as possible for a check-up. Catching a condition like gum disease early is crucial. Putting the pack down is one of the most crucial dental hygiene tips.

7. Clean your toothbrush, and don’t share it for better dental hygiene.

Cleaning your toothbrush is simple yet extremely important. All you have to do is thoroughly rinse the toothpaste and food particles from your toothbrush after each use. This simple rinse prevents bacteria from growing in particles that would otherwise get left behind. 

It is also important that you never share your toothbrush. When you do, you are sharing all the bacteria found in your mouth and possibly even blood. For that reason, even sharing among family members isn’t recommended. Cleaning your toothbrush is a cornerstone of dental hygiene tips.

8. Floss or use a water pick for a healthy dental check-up.

Flossing is one thing we all know we are supposed to do regularly, but nearly 59% of Americans admit to not flossing every day. That means small food particles are left between teeth to eat away at the enamel and cause cavities. This is a crucial dental hygiene tip.

Flossing can be a challenge for some. In that case, a water pick is a great way to get into the small cracks and tight spaces between your teeth.

9. Visit your dentist regularly as part of a great oral hygiene routine.

Visiting your dentist at least once a year is one of our top oral hygiene tips. Whether you have underlying dental issues or not, a regular visit with your dentist will ensure that problems are dealt with quickly when they arise, and you can avoid any future issues.

Good dental hygiene is a crucial part of leading a long and healthy life. Following these nine dental hygiene tips will put you on the right track for a healthy and bright smile!

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