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Build Stronger Teeth

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Build Stronger Teeth

Everyone knows the basics of good dental care. Brush your teeth after every meal, floss every day, see your dentist at least twice a year. It sounds simple. But what if you still don’t have strong, healthy teeth? Weak enamel can be a genetic weakness, or it can be caused by other conditions, like Celiac disease. I’ve always had weak enamel, so I started looking into ways that I could increase the strength of my teeth, and found that dietary changes could make a big difference. I started this blog to share my experience, and to talk about other ways you can make your teeth stronger and healthier. There are lots of things that you can do to improve your dental health. You just have to find them.

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How To Clean Your Teeth Without A Toothbrush Or Toothpaste

23 January 2015
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

Chances are that most of the time, you have what you need to maintain dental hygiene whether you're at home or on the road. However, there are some instances where you might not have your essential tools: maybe your luggage got lost or you're stranded in an airport due to bad weather. Just because you don't have your toothbrush doesn't mean you can't take care of your teeth. This guide will provide solutions for caring for your teeth with what you have on-hand.

No Toothpaste

If you don't have any toothpaste with you, there are two ways you can still brush your teeth effectively: dry brushing and creating an antiseptic solution. Dry brushing means brushing your teeth the way you always do, but without anything on the brush. Surprisingly, this method has actually been found to be very effective in removing plaque and reversing gingivitis: one study showed a 67% reduction in plaque and a 50% reduction of gum bleeding due to gingivitis.

If you'd rather brush your teeth with a liquid on your brush, try mixing together water and salt. Salt is a natural antiseptic that can help to kill bacteria while you brush your teeth.

No Toothbrush

If you don't have a brush, you can still remove some plaque and bacteria from your teeth by a paper towel.

First of all, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly first so you don't spread bacteria from things you've touched to your mouth. Rinse your mouth with water, and then wrap a damp paper towel around your finger. Brush your teeth with the towel in circular motions: the abrasive texture of the towel will help to remove plaque from your teeth.

Rinse

If you won't be able to brush your teeth for a while, try to avoid sugary and starchy foods that speed up the production of bacteria and plaque. After every meal, rinse your mouth out with water. If you don't have access to a sink, just slosh the water around your mouth and then swallow it. Keep sipping water throughout the day to help prevent dry mouth, which can increase your risk of tooth decay.

Avoid Toothpicks

Finally, don't try to use a toothpick as a substitute for floss. Toothpicks aren't designed by dental professionals and can actually damage your teeth and gums. There aren't any methods to cleaning between your teeth without dental tools like floss or interdental cleaners, but you can help to improve the circulation of your gums and loosen plaque by gently massaging them with your finger.

While these tips can't take the place of regular dental hygiene care, they can help to keep your teeth and gums healthy until you can resume your hygiene routine.  Talk to your dentist, such as http://www.couchmandental.com, for more information.