Practicing good oral hygiene ensures healthy teeth and gums, without gum problems like Gingivitis, tooth decay, cavities, bad breadth, etc. We all love individuals that have an attractive smile, perfect teeth and confident personality. With good oral hygiene habits, you look great and tend to have higher confidence levels. A recent research revealed that dental plaque and plaque that accumulates in cardiac arteries are similar. This goes on to show the importance of oral hygiene. Let’s take a look at important aspects in oral hygiene.
Brushing:
Yes, we all know brushing is important. Did you know you have to brush at least twice a day? If you can brush after every meal, it is good but often difficult. Instead, you can brush twice and drink water right after meals. Also, you need to use a brush that’s not too soft or hard. Brushing by itself, is important – you don’t brush across, but rather move it around up and down, in a circular motion. This way, the food particles stuck in between, can come out without much trouble. Also, it should not hurt your gums. You need to brush the back portion of your teeth and also, massage your gums gently with the bristles. Use a tongue cleaner, or your brush to clean or scrape your tongue. Only then, have you done a complete and proper brushing.
Flossing:
It should be no surprise that many studies reveal the importance of flossing. Regularly flossing your teeth will fight against tooth decay, cavities and gum problems. Also, any debris stuck in between your teeth is removed averting periodontal disease or gingivitis. Unlike toothpicks, floss does not damage your teeth or gums and is the best routine to clean between teeth.
Gargling:
Most dentists suggest using a mouthwash for gargling, to complete the brushing and flossing routine. Since germs and bacteria can be anywhere in the mouth, using a mouthwash helps remove them. Besides, you get a fresh and minty breadth! If you don’t want those mouthwashes, you can try using saline water or a fluoridated mouthwash instead!
Dentist:
You might, or might not have a dental problem. BUT, regular visits to a dentist are a must. Did you know most people never know there’s a dental problem until it hurts? The worst part – tooth pain is the last sign of a dental problem and when it occurs, it is already in the advanced stage! Regular visits to the dentist can keep any problem under check and avert new problems. If you experience any dental problem, seek professional help and NEVER attempt any over the counter solutions, without consulting a dentist.
Diet:
This is not really part of oral hygiene routine, but good diet is important for healthy teeth and gums. A healthy and balanced diet is very important for healthy teeth and gums. Teeth not only need calcium, but other essential nutrients as well. So make sure you consume a balanced diet. Also, if you have desserts, candies, chocolates, etc. – GARGLE! Never let sweet residue stay in your teeth for long.
Little known facts about your teeth
- Did you know a pain in your jaw, when coupled with chest pain could signal heart attack? It is more common in women!
- Did you know you need to keep your toothbrush at least six feet away from the toilet, to ensure airborne particles from the toilet don’t infect your toothbrush?
- Smokers are more likely to lose their teeth, than non-smokers.
- Chewing sugarless gum can help with oral irrigation and dental health. Unlike earlier when chewing gum was frowned upon and harmful to teeth, this is a new discovery!
- Babies need dental care too – Don’t think you don’t need to brush your toddler’s tiny teeth!
- Fluoride can stop further tooth decay and often, reverse it!
- Most toothbrushes should be thrown out after three months! Yes, though you definitely need to change every six months, three months is advisable. Also, those with gum problems should change their toothbrush every 4 – 6 weeks. And, if you have a bout of flu or other viral or bacterial illness, you should change your brush to avoid possible reinfection, or relapse!
- Unlike what many believe, using a cap or cover for your toothbrush is more detrimental!
- If you have cavities, tooth decay or any other dental problem, NEVER share your food with others. You are likely to infect them. Most babies get tooth decay, or cavities and other problems from their parents, when the little ones are kissed or fed from their plates!