When it comes to maintaining good health, the first thing that flashes across your mind is being in good shape. You will have a lot of ways to cut back on calories and how much exercise should be done to trim down.

Well, no person can get a clean bill of health just by maintaining a healthy weight. To be alive and kicking even in your twilight years, your whole body should be active, which adds to your oral health, which you often ignore.

Your oral health should be given priority as strong teeth help chew food properly, and they can last even in the golden years of your life. Many people suffer from oral health problems as they age because they do not care for them.

Though some people catch such oral health issues in the early years of their lives because of misalignment of teeth, for instance, you can put off these problems by paying a bit of attention.

What is true and false about your dental care?

There are so many things about dental care that you do not know. Here are they:

• You are brushing too hard if your gums are bleeding

This could be true sometimes. Bleeding gums could be a sign of gum disease. However, sometimes it is the result of too hard brushing. If you use a hard brush, your gums are more likely to bleed.

It is always recommended that you use a soft brush. In addition to the use of a hard brush, poorly fitting dentures could be the cause of it. Some medications, including anti-clotting drugs, are responsible and pregnancy into the bargain.

As long as you are brushing the right way, healthy gums will not bleed. You should immediately consult your GP if you have an underlying medical condition. Before it turns into a big or painful disease, you should nip it in the bud.

1.  The brushing technique does not matter

If you think so, you are under the impression. The only correct way of brushing is to move your brush in a circular motion as it sweeps out the plaque. Other techniques just move the plaque away and push it into other surfaces.

If you have misaligned teeth, it is crucial that you use this technique only. Otherwise, the plaque will get stuck between gaps. When you move your brush in a circular motion, it will automatically be gentle.

However, there are still chances that you brush too hard. Remember that it will hurt or damage your gums. A toothbrush with soft bristles is recommended because it protects the enamel, a covering on your teeth.

Putting too much pressure during brushing can make it thinner or damage it downright. You will feel a sensation when you eat or drink something hot and cold if it becomes thinner.

2.  Electric toothbrushes are more effective than manual ones

Studies have found that electric toothbrushes are more effective a removing plaque. However, no research allows an interpretation that manual toothbrush is partly to blame for oral health issues.

It can also be as effective as an electric toothbrush, but you do not use the right way to remove plaque. You do not need to overbrushing, but the technique is paramount.

3.  Mouthwash is more than enough, and no brushing is required

Mouthwash cannot take the place of brushing. However, it does not mean that mouthwash is useless. It can help fight off bad breath and prevent gum diseases. In other words, it can contribute to your oral hygiene.

Many over-the-counter types of mouthwash claim to help fight off bad breath, tooth decay, mouth sores, and gum diseases. However, you should avoid them. Instead, prefer a prescribed mouthwash.

It is crucial to keep your dentist in the loop before trying a mouthwash. Use it as prescribed.

4.  Whitening can remove all dental stains

Coffee and tobacco discolour your teeth. You may have to go to a dentist for teeth whitening or professional cleaning. Whitening can remove stains, but it is important to note that not all types of stains can be whitened.

Discolouration caused by the death of the pulp is all but impossible to fix. However, now dentistry has a new technique to fix such stains. They can put a plastic-like material, but again, it all depends on the condition of your tooth.

5.  Fluoride is not safe

Many studies have shown that fluoride in drinking water can take a toll on your oral health. In addition, it is also known for causing allergies and heart disease.

Fluoride is dangerous if you take it in excessively, and it is impracticable to reach that level. An average adult cannot ingest fluoride more than 5gm, which means you will have to drink up to 5,000 glasses of water a day.

Two times brushing is more than enough to take care of your gums and teeth

To take care of your teeth and gums, you should ensure that you spend two minutes brushing. However, you must use the right kind of brush and use the proper technique.

6.  Pick a good toothbrush

There is a wide range of toothbrushes. Some of them are so fancy that they attract young children. Marketers even play with colours. Instead of emphasising the colours and their looks, you should choose suitable bristles.

Make sure that they are soft and do not cause irritation to your gums. Hard bristles are fine to use as long as you do not suffer any problems. Some dentists advise against using hard bristles as they can damage your enamel, especially if you brush too hard.

Replace your brush every few months.quick loans in the UK Toothbrushes with soft bristles require frequent replacements.

You can use an electric toothbrush. You have to test out the settings to use them correctly.

7.  Use the right technique

Here are some suggestions for brushing your teeth the right way:

• Use toothpaste with fluoride. Spend two minutes and divide this time by cleaning the upper left and right and lower left and right.
• Angle your brush at a 45-degree angle at the junction of teeth and gums.
• Sweep the bristles gently in a circular motion.
• Avoid distractions so you can brush them the right way.
• If you press too hard or use a rough technique, you will likely end up irritating your gums.
• Rinse your mouth after every meal. This will prevent bacteria and plaque from building up. If possible, use salted, lukewarm water to rinse your mouth before going to bed.

The final word

Dental health is undoubtedly essential. A lot of people suffer from oral health issues at a very young age. If you do not want to end up funding your medical bills with unsecured loans for bad credit in the UK, you should ensure that you choose the right type of brush and follow the proper technique.

Spend two minutes brushing your teeth and divide this time equally to clean all areas. If you have come across some symptoms, you should immediately talk to your dentist without further ado.