“Some tortures are physical, and some are mental. But the one that is both is dental,” said Ogden Nash.

If you share the same views about dental care as him, then read on to know why dental care is important, why it must not be ignored, and what you can do to prevent the torture and keep your teeth healthy.

How many times do you need to brush?
You must brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes. If you wear braces, then brushing after every big meal is essential in order to not let plaque form in the gaps and crevices between the brace and the teeth.

In order to remove food particles and reduce the amount of plaque-causing bacteria from the surface of your tongue brushing your tongue is important too. This also keeps your breath fresh for a longer time.

Is there a special kind of toothpaste or toothbrush you must use?
For routine everyday cleaning of teeth and gums, a normal toothpaste containing fluoride is ideal. Fluoride keeps teeth strong and prevents decay in them.

A toothbrush with soft, uneven bristles in mixed heights works best in keeping teeth, gums and the places between them clean.

How should you brush your teeth?
Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and move the brush in short up and down strokes. Make sure you brush the outer and inner surfaces of all the teeth and the chewing surfaces of the teeth in both the upper and lower jaws.

Is flossing important?
Yes, flossing at least once a day is important to clean the plaque and the food particles that get stuck in the gaps between teeth and under the gums. Allowing dental plaque to form is dangerous and leads to not only serious problems in the teeth but also other parts of the body.

What are the most common dental problems you can face?
Bad breath, tooth decay, tooth cavity, sensitivity in the teeth, gum disease, mouth ulcers, and oral cancer are the most common dental problems.

What foods are bad for teeth?
Foods with a high density of sugar in them like hard candies and carbonated drinks are bad for your teeth. This is because sugar encourages the growth of plaque-causing bacteria and causes tooth cavities. Also, tobacco smoking is definitely bad for oral health not only because it stains the teeth and causes gum disease but it can also result in life-threatening oral cancer.

How often should you visit a dentist?
Visit a well-trained dentist twice a year, that is the ideal way to keep dental problems at bay.

If you have a toothache, bleeding gums or sensitivity in the teeth, then visit a dentist immediately. Similarly, if you suffer from any genetic disorders, congenital problems or from systemic diseases, giving additional attention to your oral health and hygiene becomes imperative and the same goes for multiple visits to the dentist.