Smile bright: essential tips for dental care - There is a lot more to your oral health than a beautiful smile. Did you know that sleep disorders, chronic infections, and other diseases can be linked to oral health?

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Brushing your teeth - You should brush your teeth at least three times a day, plus after eating sweets.

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Doing it correctly - Do not press the toothbrush too hard on your teeth and try to make circular movements, not just straight ones. Brushing your teeth in a single direction can lead to enamel loss.

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Dentist - Go to the dentist regularly. Schedule a check-up every six months to see if everything is OK.

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Dental plan - Dental insurance plans can make treatment cheaper and may include discounts on some services.

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Flossing - Flossing is an essential element of oral hygiene. It removes food and plaque accumulated between the teeth that can't be reached with a toothbrush.

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Dental braces - It's possible that you might need braces. They are usually seen as a cosmetic instrument, but they also have other benefits. Discuss the idea with your dentist.

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Sweets - Limit the amount of sweets you eat and whenever you have one, make sure you brush your teeth well.

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Diet - Food is very closely related to oral and general health. Consuming foods rich in calcium is critical to slowing down the bone loss process.

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Myth: salt and lemon - Using salt and lemon for oral hygiene is nothing more than a myth. This mixture can actually damage your teeth since the citric acid alters the mouth's pH and can potentially erode tooth enamel.

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Myth: banana, orange, and strawberry - Another myth is that these fruits will whiten your teeth. The truth is that these fruits have the power to remove surface stains from your teeth and consequently make them look whiter. They won't actually lighten the enamel.

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Toothache - Toothaches are often the main indicators of decay and other oral problems. Do not ignore them!

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Teeth cleaning - To ensure good oral health, a thorough cleaning should be done at least twice a year.

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Toothpaste - Use fluoride toothpaste, as it helps reduce the build-up of plaque and therefore avoids the formation of cavities.

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Tongue - You should also brush your tongue because food and bacteria accumulate here. This can lead to a coated tongue, which is one of the main factors responsible for halitosis.

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Teeth whitening - Dental whitening works by removing pigments that have accumulated on the surface of teeth, and not by actually altering the color of the enamel. It can be done at the dentist's office or at home, but discuss it with your dentist first.

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Whitening - Whitening gel should only be used if prescribed by a professional dentist.

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Gum - Take care of your gums. Bleeding while brushing or flossing is the first sign of gum disease.

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Mouthwash - Use a mouthwash to complement your oral hygiene routine and do not rinse your mouth afterwards. Mouthwash contains antiseptic substances that eliminate the bacteria responsible for gum disease and tooth decay. It is also effective against bad breath.

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Piercings - You must take special care of your oral hygiene if you have a piercing in your mouth.

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Materials - The most suitable materials for piercings are surgical steel, titanium, and gold.

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Infections - Your mouth contains millions of bacteria, so piercings in this area are at higher risk of infection than others. The risk of infection becomes even greater when oral hygiene is neglected.

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Problems - Piercings can lead to laceration and gum recession, fractures, discoloration, and necrotic pulp.

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Chronic infection - An oral infection may even cause problems in your heart valve, known as bacterial endocarditis.

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Treatment - If your oral piercing presents a problem, you should see a dentist.

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Prevention - To prevent any problems with your piercing, go to the dentist regularly, at least every six months, to make sure everything is okay.

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Sleep - Did you know that oral dysfunction can be linked to sleep apnea and snoring? Not breathing through your mouth while asleep can prevent various problems, such as xerostomia and snoring.

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Sleeping with your mouth open - Sleeping with your mouth open dries your gums and mucous membranes, contributing to gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath.

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Aesthetic - Sleeping with an open mouth can also contribute to facial deformation by pushing the chin backwards.

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Childhood - Poor oral bone formation usually occurs when a child breathes through their mouth and the dysfunction is not corrected with orthodontic treatment.

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