Are you still sticking with your “old school” manual toothbrush? A Women’s Health article found online stated that ditching your old toothbrush and opting instead for a battery or electronic-powered toothbrush may help you to have better checkups at the dentist.
The article cited the reason to move to an upgraded model is because many people don’t brush properly with a manual toothbrush. The powered toothbrushes take the guesswork out of it for you, assuming you position the toothbrush as suggested and let the toothbrush do the work.
Other suggestions for improving oral health include:
• Use a flossing aid to make flossing more of an effortless habit.
• Brush after snacks to cut down on harmful acidity that could cause tooth decay. If this is inconvenient, pick up one of those new “to go” toothbrushes that come with a bit of breath freshener and a pick for getting stuck morsels out of your teeth.
• Chew sugarless gum with the ingredient xylitol to help flush food and bacteria from the surface of teeth.
• Drink as much water as you can to help your mouth stay refreshed, and so harmful bacterial don’t get a chance to collect and damage teeth or make your breath stinky.
Do you have a question about Dental Health? Check out EmpowHER’s pages. Sign-up, post a question, share your story, connect with other women in our groups and community, and feel EmpowHERed!
Resource:
Women’s Health: Beyond Toothbrushes
American Dental Association: Why Dental Health Matters
EmpowHER: Oral Health: The Forgotten Factor to Wellness
Christine Jeffries is a writer/editor for work and at heart, and lives in a home of testosterone with her husband and two sons. Christine is interested in women’s health and promoting strong women.