Good oral hygiene is essential for good overall health. There is no such thing as caring for your teeth and gums too much, but there are plenty of wrong ways to do it. Daily oral care is an essential aspect of good health, so it is important to make sure you are doing it correctly.
Oral hygiene removes plaque, bacteria, and food particles from in between your teeth. It also washes away the acids that are produced by bacteria. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on your teeth and can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Bacteria produce acid as they break down food particles, and this acid can damage your teeth and gums over time. Below is how you can take care of your teeth.
Visit Your Dentist Routinely For Checkup and Cleaning
The best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy is to visit your dentist for a checkup and cleaning at least every 6 months. At your checkup, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums for any signs of plaque, tartar, or gum disease. They will also clean your teeth and remove any built-up plaque or tartar that your regular brushing and flossing routine may not be getting rid of. As noted by a dentist in Sunnybank, routine checkups are more helpful than you can imagine. Reach out to a dentist whenever you notice any signs of pain, bleeding, or swelling in your gums or mouth. This could be a sign of gum disease, which can cause serious problems if it is not treated right away. Similarly, call your dentist right away if you notice that a tooth is loose or has moved out of place.
Brush at Least Twice a Day
The first step to keeping your teeth clean is by brushing them. Brushing should be done twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed. For best results, use an antimicrobial toothpaste that has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval. You can buy toothpaste with fluoride, which strengthens your tooth enamel and reduces cavities.
Brush all of the surfaces on your teeth, including the inside and outside of both your upper and lower teeth. Holding your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums, lightly brush away from the gum line towards the center of each tooth. You should be brushing for around 2 minutes per session, which is the amount of time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” two times. Be sure not to scrub too hard, as this can damage your tooth enamel. Try using short strokes instead of long ones to avoid damaging your teeth and gums.
Flossing at Least Once Per Day
Just like brushing is essential for good oral hygiene, so is flossing. Flossing should be done at least once per day to remove plaque that is along the gum line. If you are not able to brush all of the surfaces of your teeth every time you eat, then it is fine to skip brushing and just floss.
To floss, wrap some dental floss around your middle fingers. Gently pull the floss away from your gum line and then curve it into a “C” shape around each of your teeth. Pull the floss up and down against the side of each tooth, making sure to scrape away any plaque you can see on your gum line. Flossing should take around 2 minutes per session.
Don’t Forget to Rinse and Gargle
After you brush and floss, make sure to rinse and gargle with mouthwash. This will help get rid of any lingering plaque or bacteria that may be left behind on your teeth or gums after brushing and flossing. There are many types of mouthwash on the market, but most contain both fluoride and alcohol.
Make sure to read the ingredients in any mouthwash you are planning on using, because some may not be safe for children or pregnant women. Add one cup of water to your toothbrush when brushing your teeth at night. This is a good way to make sure all of your toothpaste is out of your mouth and will help reduce the amount of plaque that can form on your teeth.
Eat Healthy and Avoid Sugary Foods
Another way to keep your teeth and gums healthy is by eating a healthy diet and avoiding sugary foods. Sugar can cause plaque to form on your teeth, which can lead to cavities. It is also important to avoid drinking too many sugary drinks, such as sodas or fruit juices. If you do drink sugary drinks, make sure to brush your teeth afterward to keep your teeth as clean as possible.
Believe it or not, leafy green vegetables are actually great for oral hygiene. They contain many nutrients that are good for your teeth and gums, they can help reduce bad breath caused by bacteria in your mouth, and chewing them stimulates saliva flow. Saliva is actually one of your oral hygiene best friends because it naturally cleanses the surface of your teeth. Also, try to eat more vegetables that contain vitamin C, which can prevent plaque from forming on your teeth.
Don’t Neglect Your Tongue
It’s easy to forget about your tongue when you are brushing and flossing your teeth, but it is important to keep it clean as well. Use a toothbrush or tongue scraper to brush the surface of your tongue. This will help get rid of any bacteria or plaque that may be present on your tongue. You can also use a toothbrush or dental floss to clean along the crevices on the surface of your tongue.
Drink More Water
One of the best things you can do for your oral hygiene is to drink more water. Not only is water good for your overall health, but it also helps keep your teeth and gums healthy. Drinking water helps stimulate saliva flow, which helps wash away bacteria and plaque from your teeth and gums. It also helps keep your mouth moist, which can help reduce the chances of developing gum disease.
In conclusion, taking care of your teeth and gums is very important. If you want to have a beautiful smile, then it is essential to brush and floss daily, follow a healthy diet, and visit the dentist regularly. After reading this article, you should now know how to properly take care of your teeth and gums.
