Say, “Ahh!” Most people are hesitant to smile and show off their teeth because of discoloration. However, healthy teeth are not only necessary to look picture-perfect or flash a million-dollar smile. They can also impact your overall health. Countless bacteria are living in your mouth. Most of them can cause tooth issues and gingivitis, which can result in gum disease. Therefore, you must focus on your dental hygiene. And contrary to popular belief, regular brushing is not enough for dental care. Patients must also focus on their diet and avoid sugary foods to keep harmful bacteria under control.
Experts believe that while oral health is an essential element of overall health, most healthcare policies disregard it. Without treatment, this issue can result in malnutrition and speech problems. Following are some ways you can improve your dental hygiene and improve health.
Visit a dentist regularly: Experts suggest visiting a dentist every six months. Even the most diligent brushers and flossers have to see a dentist for cleaning and checkups. These visits help to monitor and identify any emerging dental problems and offer timely solutions. However, visiting a dentist is costly, and most people also do not have access to oral health insurance. So, it is better to have a local dental expert look after you instead of someone too far away. Here’s a helpful tip.
Use the internet to find a dentist near you: For example, if you live in the suburbs of New South Wales, such as Nerang, avoid looking for dental services more the 50 kilometers away in Brisbane. Instead, a quick search on the internet for ‘dentist Nerang‘ should help you find one close by. It will help you save time and money while getting the care you need.
Brush your teeth before bed: While the general recommendation is to brush your teeth twice a day, most people avoid brushing their teeth at night. Experts believe brushing your teeth in the morning is not as necessary as your nighttime routine. Food debris left overnight can help germs and plaque accumulate and cause cavities. Nighttime brushing can also help manage foul morning breath, which is a big no-no if you’re partnered.
Improve your brushing technique: We do not spend a lot of time on our brushing technique. However, improper brushing techniques can do more harm than good. Aggressive brushing can damage tooth enamel and gums. It can also increase sensitivity. Hence, you should brush in circular motions and spend two to three minutes on your teeth. Sawing motions can result in calculus buildup and gum disease. Instead, brush the outer tooth, inner tooth, and chewing surfaces. Always place your toothbrush at an angle against your gums.
Brush your tongue and hard-to-reach spots: There are many nooks and crannies in your mouth. Debris can accumulate in these areas and make them susceptible to gum disease. Your tongue also needs regular brushing to prevent foul odors and oral health issues. Therefore, begin your brushing routine with the upper right side in the back of your mouth. And gently brush your tongue at the end of your routine.
Do not ignore flossing: Flossing can remove bacteria from places the toothbrush cannot reach. It also removes trapped food particles and debris.According to the ADA, regular flossing is beneficial for oral hygiene. It can remove plaque and prevent bad breath. However, you should follow the correct flossing technique. Gently push the floss to the gum line with up-and-down motions. Snapping floss between the teeth can result in injuries and cause pain.
Use a mouthwash: You might not believe a mouthwash advertisement, but they effectively support your oral hygiene routine. A good dentist-recommended mouthwash can decrease acidity levels, clean hard-to-reach areas, and mineralize the teeth. It can also help children and people with sensitive teeth improve their oral hygiene. Different mouth rinses offer added protection. For example, an antimicrobial mouthwash can reduce bacteria and plaque. Comparatively, fluoride mouth rinses can prevent tooth decay. For best results, rinse your mouth with your choice of product for 20 seconds twice a day. However, consult your dentist before using one.
Avoid sugary foods: Sugar has a significant role in adverse dental health outcomes. Processed foods and desserts convert into acid, which erodes tooth enamel. The acid increases the risk of cavities and tooth decay. According to the WHO, limiting sugar intake to five percent of your total daily food consumption can reduce the incidence of dental problems. It can also help patients maintain their weight and blood sugar levels. So, it is a win-win.
Drink water: Water is the best thing for your overall health. It is also beneficial for dental hygiene. Drinking water after every meal can wash out the adverse effects of sugary foods and loosen up food particles. Furthermore, most countries add fluoride to their drinking water to prevent tooth decay.
Use fluoride toothpaste: Instead of buying a whitening toothpaste, opt for an option with fluoride. Fluoride is beneficial for teeth as it effectively fights germs. It also disrupts dental plaque and prevents gum disease. However, you might not have to sacrifice your whitening toothpaste for fluoride ones. Fortunately, several brands offer tubes with both features.
Wash your toothbrush holder: Your toothbrush container holds your brush. However, it can also contain germs. Therefore, scrub your toothbrush container with soapy water at least twice a week to prevent adding more germs into your mouth each time you brush your teeth.
Taking care of children: For children, baby teeth are as vital as permanent teeth. Losing a tooth to decay can make tooth development difficult and disrupt space. Therefore, parents must focus on oral hygiene. They should brush their teeth three times a day with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. They can also play songs to improve their teeth brushing technique.
Conclusion
Good oral health can help you keep your teeth and gums in shape. With regular brushing and flossing, patients can avoid several dental health problems. However, regular dental checkups can also prevent any significant issues from developing. So, if you want healthy teeth, good breath, and a confident smile, stick to the tips mentioned above.