What do your teeth get up to while you aren’t paying attention? There’s a lot going on in your mouth. It can get really out of control. Take a look behind the scenes of dental article to see how it really works.

Imagine your teeth like little soldiers, standing watch. The teeth are in constant battle with sugary invaders, and acids. They can be weakened by improper care and develop cavities. This is like leaving a castle to crumble, because you didn’t maintain the moat.

Oral hygiene is based on brushing at least twice per day. Consider it giving your mouth a daily pep talk, and an early morning one. Do not just sweep the brush in a random manner. Get into it! Cover every crevice and nook for at least two full minutes. Even though your molars are shy, they still need attention.

The story of flossing is a completely different one. Imagine yourself at a barbecue, eating corn on the ear. Later on, little bits of corn are caught between your teeth. It’s like an unwelcome guest who has overstayed his welcome. Flushing evicts these unwanted squatters, before they can cause any trouble. This is a necessary but not glamorous task.

We’ll talk about the diet for just a moment. Like gremlins, sugary snacks seem harmless at first but can cause havoc when they are consumed after dark. The bacteria that live in your mouth feed on sugar, and as a result produce an acid. Acid which eats into enamel the way rust does on a car bumper.

The importance of hydration cannot be overstated. It’s not only there to aid in chewing, but it is also nature’s natural mouthwash. Saliva neutralizes acids and washes away food particles. Drinking water is like giving your teeth a mini spa.

You’ve probably had dreams about your teeth falling out. If gum disease spreads unnoticed, this nightmare may become real. Gingivitis can be sneaky. The first sign is red gums, which swell and bleed. This silent warning signals that something may not be right.

Dental checkups are an early warning system for these issues. The dentist doesn’t poke around just for the fun of it. They are looking for warning signs before they escalate into something much more expensive. The same principle applies to your car. Regular maintenance will help you avoid costly breakdowns.

Who doesn’t love pearly-white teeth? Although over-the counter products may help, they can also lead to sensitivity when used excessively. The results of professional treatments are better without turning the smile into a headache-inducing ice cream factory.

Orthodontics doesn’t only affect your smile. It can also cause problems in the future, such as jaw pain and difficulties chewing. You might think that braces or aligners are a nuisance, but consider the benefits in the future.

The use of mouthguards is not limited to athletes. Wearing one while you are sleeping can protect your teeth from damage.

Do not forget the oral health of children. Get them started early with healthy habits, so that they will grow up to see dental health as something routine and not as an assignment they would rather avoid.

The next time you floss or brush, don’t forget that your 32 inner heroes are holding the fort in your mouth. You should treat them with respect, as they have a tough job to keep everything in place!