Bad oral hygiene habits result in issues such as cavities, gum diseases, bad breath, and even loss of teeth. Luckily, there are ways to avoid these complications through proper practices. This article aims at defining the basic procedures that make up a proper dental care regimen. Just follow these tips, and you will be on the right track to a happy smile.
Brushing
The first step in practicing oral hygiene is brushing your teeth. It reduces plaque, which is a soft, sticky deposit of bacteria that accumulates on the teeth and leads to cavities and gum disease. Brushing also removes sticky particles of food that may get lodged in between the teeth. You should brush using a soft bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Make sure to brush all the surfaces of the teeth. Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against your gum line and gently move your toothbrush in a circular motion for 30 seconds for each section in your mouth. Do not forget to brush your tongue as well because bacteria might also settle there.
Flossing
Cleaning between your teeth is necessary as it assists in the removal of food debris that is not reachable by a toothbrush. If not removed, such debris leads to inflammation and bleeding in the gums, and gradual destruction of the surrounding tissues attached to the teeth. Brush your teeth before bed, and floss them using a piece of dental floss that is a few inches long. Use a saw-like motion to move the floss between two teeth. Wrap the floss around one of the teeth in a C-shape and gently move it up and down against the sides. Perform the same motion as you move the floss towards the next tooth.
Mouthwash
An antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash can be quite effective if you decide to use it as part of your daily oral care regimen. Use of antimicrobial mouthwash helps to eliminate residual oral bacteria responsible for bad breath, inflammation of the gums, and infection. A fluoride mouthwash, on the other hand, coats the teeth and helps in the strengthening of the outer layer of the teeth, known as the enamel, to prevent the formation of cavities. Mouthwash should be used after brushing and flossing. When using mouthwash, read the label and refrain from eating or drinking anything for at least half an hour afterward. This gives enough time for the fluoride or antimicrobial agents to eliminate bacteria from your mouth.
Diet and Oral Health
Nutrition is an essential factor that affects the health of your teeth and gums because the food you eat goes straight to the teeth area. Sweet and sour products contribute to the production of plaque and can dissolve tooth enamel, which results in tooth decay. Reduce your consumption of sweets and candy, cakes, cookies, juices, soft drinks, etc. Select foods and beverages with less carbohydrates and sugars and more vitamins and minerals. These stimulate saliva release, the natural minerals of which counter the destructive mouth acids and aid in the removal of debris. Drink plenty of water also, as this helps to wash out food particles and bacteria from the mouth. Avoiding foods and beverages that contain sugar and other unhealthy materials, you discourage cavity-causing bacteria from affecting your teeth.
Regular Dental Visits
Even the strictest of home regimens cannot replace dental cleanings. Schedule visits at least twice a year so your dentist can check for signs of tooth decay, remove tartar buildup, and diagnose problems when reversible. Check-ups allow the ailment to be diagnosed early. This ensures that no unnecessary discomfort is experienced, and no expensive treatments are used to cure the disease. Your dentist is also likely to diagnose other diseases that may manifest themselves in the gum and mouth tissue. Dental appointments play a vital role in tracking and preserving your oral and general well-being.
Conclusion
Oral health practices include investing time in practicing essential activities such as brushing effectively, flossing efficiently, using mouthwash, consuming proper diet, and visiting the dentist. Adhering to these tips fosters strong teeth and gums and beautiful smiles and significantly reduces your likelihood of dental diseases. Oral health is not only limited to teeth, but the lack of it leads to a reduction in nutrition, self-esteem, work efficiency, and many other things.