When you take your picture, everyone says, “Say cheese! Smile!” You do that - you open your mouth and grit your teeth. When you see a picture, you see a happy person looking back. If those teeth are healthy, you look happy. Why is that?
Because your teeth are important in many ways. If you take care of them, they will help you to take care of you. Strong, healthy teeth help you chew the right food to grow. They help you to speak clearly. And yes, they help you look your best.
Why Healthy Teeth Are Important
How does dental care help with all of that? Taking care of your teeth helps prevent plaque, which is a clear bacterial film that sticks to your teeth.
After eating, germs irritate the sugar in your teeth, like ants on a picnic. Bacteria break down into acid that eats plaque, causing holes called pores. Plaque also causes gingivitis, a gum disease that can cause your gums to become red, swollen, and painful. Gums are those soft pink tissues in your mouth that hold your teeth in place.
If you do not take care of your teeth, cavities and unhealthy gums will make your mouth worse. Eating food will be difficult. And you will not feel like a big smile.
Before Starting Brushing
We are lucky that we now know a lot about taking care of our teeth. In ancient times, people grew up with decay and pain. To end the toothache, they had to have their teeth extracted. Finally, people learned that brushing and flossing were important, but there was no quick fix.
As you rub the glue in your mouth, think about what people did in the past:
Yuck!
It was about 100 years later that someone finally invented toothpaste. Shortly thereafter, a toothbrush is made, so that people can squeeze the dough out of the mixture! Toothpick erupted during World War II. The U.S. Army gave all the soldiers brushes and toothpaste, and learned to brush twice a day. At the time, toothbrushes were made of metal; today they are made of soft plastic and are very easy to squeeze! Today there are many toothbrush options: many colors and flavors to choose from, and some for kids only. When choosing toothpaste, make sure you have fluoride. Fluoride strengthens your teeth and protects them from cavities. When brushing, you do not need a lot of toothpaste: just remove a small amount of pea. It is not a good idea to swallow toothpaste, so be sure to spit it out after brushing it.
How to Keep Your Teeth Healthy
Children can control their teeth by taking these steps:
Wash at least twice a day - after breakfast and before bed. If you can, mix it up after lunch or after a delicious snack. Brushing breaks down plaque. Brush all your teeth, not just the front teeth. Spend time on the sides and back teeth. Ask your dentist to show you the best way to brush your teeth without damaging your gums. Take your time while brushing. Spend at least 2 or 3 minutes each time you brush. If you have trouble tracking the time, use a timer or play your favorite recorded song to help you track the time.
Make sure your toothbrush has a soft honeycomb (the package will tell you if it is soft). Ask your parent to help you get a new toothbrush every 3 months. Some toothbrushes come with bristles that change color when it's time to change them.
Ask your dentist if an antibacterial mouth rinse is right for you.
Learn how to brush your teeth, which is the most important way to keep them healthy. It sounds strange the first few times you do it, but soon you will become an expert. Slide dental floss between each tooth and next to the gum well once a day. Floss removes hidden food from your toothbrush, no matter how well you brush it.
You can also brush your tongue to keep your breath clean!
It is also important to visit the dentist twice a year. In addition to checking for signs of cavities or gum disease, a dentist will help you keep your teeth clean and can help you learn the best way to brush and floss.
It is not just brushing and flossing that keeps teeth healthy - and you need to be careful what you eat and drink. Remember, plaque on your teeth is waiting for the sugar to arrive. Eat lots of fruit and vegetables, and drink water instead of soda. And don't forget to smile!
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