Good oral hygiene is essential not only for maintaining your bright and confident smile but also for the sake of your overall health. Poor oral hygiene is the main culprit behind common dental issues, such as cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Researchers suggest that there is also a link between oral health and chronic health complications like diabetes and heart disease. Read on to discover the oral hygiene best practices that will support the continued health of your teeth and gums.
Oral Hygiene Best Practices
Brush Your Teeth at Least Twice a Day
The foremost step to good oral hygiene is brushing your teeth at least twice a day. Brush once in the morning and once before you go to bed. You must brush consistently to prevent plaque from forming on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that coats the teeth and may cause bad breath or receding gums if allowed to build up. It is a combination of saliva, bacteria, and food that remains stuck in the mouth after eating. If plaque stays on your tooth for too long, it will harden and will become tartar. When this happens, you will need professional treatment to have it removed, otherwise the tartar may cause tooth discoloration, decay, and gum bleeding.
Use a fluoride toothpaste and soft-bristled toothbrush. The fluoride in your toothpaste will strengthen your tooth enamel and help prevent cavities. Meanwhile, a toothbrush with soft bristles will help remove plaque but is still gentle enough to prevent abrasion.
Tips for Effective Brushings
- Brush Thoroughly: Brush for at least two minutes to ensure that you cover all areas of your mouth, including the tops of your molars and inward-facing parts of your teeth.
- Use Proper Technique: Brush your teeth with gentle, circular motions. Avoid harsh back-and-forth movements, which can wear down your teeth’s enamel and irritate your gums.
- Remember Your Tongue: Gently brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper. When you do not clean your tongue, bacteria accumulates and leads to bad breath.
Floss Daily
If you want your teeth to be as clean as possible, brushing alone is not enough. Flossing is necessary to reach the tight spaces between your teeth, where food particles and plaque can become trapped. If you do not floss, you put yourself at risk for cavities, enamel loss, tartar development, inflamed and bleeding gums, and a host of other dental problems. You must floss to improve your likelihood of bypassing such complications.
Use Mouthwash
Mouthwash is an excellent addition to your everyday dental routine. Depending on the formulation and strength, it is available over-the-counter or by prescription. Mouthwashes are massively helpful with controlling plaque, bad breath, gingivitis, and tooth decay.
There are different kinds of mouthwash. Antimicrobial mouthwash is ideal for those prone to gum disease because it helps reduce plaque and kills bacteria. Mouthwashes with fluoride can help protect your teeth from cavities. Alcohol-free mouthwash can help those with dry mouths or sensitive gums avoid irritation.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Your diet plays a crucial role in your health. A diet rich in vitamins and minerals can strengthen your teeth and gums. On the other hand, sugary and acidic foods can contribute to tooth decay.
Oral Health-Friendly Foods
- Fruits and Vegetables: Be intentional about eating crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery. These help stimulate saliva production, which naturally cleanses your mouth and neutralizes acids.
- Dairy Products: Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are rich in calcium and phosphates. Consume them daily to strengthen tooth enamel.
- Nuts: Nuts are a treasure trove of health benefits for your teeth. They are a source of calcium, phosphorous, vitamin D, fiber, folic acid, iron, thiamine, magnesium, vitamin E, vitamin B6, potassium, and zinc. Some nuts can help fight bacteria that cause tooth decay, while others are known to stimulate saliva production.
Stop Smoking
Tobacco use can cause a number of adverse effects, including gum recession, periodontal disease, impaired healing following periodontal therapy, tooth staining, and oral cancer. Quit smoking to help improve the appearance of your teeth, boost the health of your gums, and lower your risk of developing oral and other types of cancer.
Seek Preventive Dentistry
Even with an excellent at-home oral health routine, bacteria can still build up in hard-to-reach areas of your mouth and cause problems. You need to regularly visit a dentist to deep clean your teeth and rid them of plaque and tartar. Preventive dentistry allows your dentist to detect any issues or causes for concern, such as cavities, gum disease, and life-threatening diseases like oral cancer. Timely detection of these problems will ensure that your oral problems get timely and proper treatment, and save you money in the long run.
Partner with a Licensed Dentist Today
Your oral health is a vital aspect of your overall health. Incorporating these oral hygiene best practices into your everyday routine will not only make your smile brighter but also help your teeth function as they should. To ensure your oral health is at its best, reach out to a dentist you can trust and move one step closer to a healthier you!
