Dental hygiene is a crucial yet often ignored subject. You may be confused about why it is so important; after all, you just need to brush your teeth for good breath and a sparkling smile…right?
While that is true, there are more implications to good dental hygiene than you realise. After all, your bodily functions are so intertwined that bad dental health can affect your overall physical health.
So, in the spirit of addressing dental health, here are four ways to improve your dental hygiene for a clean mouth and a megawatt smile.
Improve The Way You Brush
Brushing your teeth properly means much more than a rudimentary pass or two with the toothbrush before you rinse. The way you brush is just as important. So crucial, in fact, that improper brushing practices are akin to not doing it at all.
Brushing your teeth eliminates food residue and any plaque buildup after you’ve eaten. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria. It forms constantly and must be cleaned away to prevent the formation of tartar and cavities.
To ensure that you are brushing correctly and efficiently, aim to do it twice daily for no less than two minutes each time. For example, you can divide the mouth into four sections and brush each for 30 seconds to keep track. Finally, be careful about how hard you brush. If you press down too hard, it is likely to induce bleeding.
Select The Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste
The tools you use are just as essential as your technique. There are numerous types of toothbrushes available on the market today. The most common is the manual type. Others include electric, inter-dental, chewable, ecological and end-tuft brushes. You may select the one you like based on your preferences. However, the more important consideration is the bristles. There are three classifications, firm, medium and soft. The best all-around is the medium-bristled type.
As for toothpaste, what matters more than flavour or whitening ability is fluoride. It does most of the heavy lifting, defending against tooth decay while providing a protective barrier for the teeth. If you have sensitive teeth, your dentist may prescribe an ideal toothpaste. Alternatively, there are several options available over the counter that may be just as effective.
Don’t Forget to Floss
Many people simply neglect flossing, primarily because of the belief that regular brushing is sufficient. However, that is not the case. Flossing does more than help you remove bits of food stuck between your teeth. It is also a way to stimulate the gums, lower inflammation and facilitate the reduction of plaque.
To floss, cut a piece of dental floss measuring between 20 to 30cm. Wind both ends around your index fingers and pull taut. Finally, use a small section to clean between the teeth, changing areas every time you move to a new tooth. You only need to floss once a day to get the benefits.
If you have a hard time using regular dental floss, it is better to seek alternative tools rather than eschew the activity altogether. There are ready-to-use dental flossers available in stores. Alternatively, you may try a water pick to make it easier.
Watch What You Eat
Taking care of your teeth begins with your diet. The foods you ingest can impact the health of your teeth. For example, when you eat sugar, it converts to acid in the mouth, which can erode your teeth enamel. This erosion is what leads to the development of cavities. Additionally, acidic teas, fruits and even coffee can wear away tooth enamel. Therefore, it is most prudent to avoid sugary foods altogether while limiting the acidic varieties.
Finally, fresh, crunchy produce and foods that require a little extra chew are good for your teeth. They help build strong jaw muscles with the extra work and keep your teeth strong and resilient.
Ultimately, your dental hygiene is an important factor in your oral and overall health. If you are diligent in making sure that you do it the right way, there is no reason you should experience any number of complications. It is also wise to have your dentist as a partner in maintaining good oral health. Ideally, you should see your dentists in paramatta for regular check-ups and optional cleaning appointments once or twice a year. This requirement is important because no matter how dutiful you are in brushing your teeth, there are some things a dentist is more qualified to detect and offer solutions for.