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Regular dental visits are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, but it’s equally important to take care of your health oral between those visits. This article will guide you through the steps you need to take to ensure your teeth stay healthy, clean, and strong.
Table of Contents
1. Brush Your Teeth Consistently
Brush your teeth two times a day: this is fundamental to good oral health. Utilise a brush with soft bristles that fits comfortably in your mouth and a toothpaste containing fluoride, which helps protect against tooth decay and maintain dental clinic. Remember to replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed.
2. Use Proper Brushing Technique
The way you brush is just as important as how often you brush. Grip your brush at an angle, and target the bristles to the part where your gum meets your teeth. Brush using gentle, circular motions, not back-and-forth scrubbing. Don’t forget to brush outisde, inside, and the surfaces you use to chew, of your teeth, and also your tongue.
3. Floss Every day
Flossing every day removes plaque and food bits from in the space between each tooth and along the gum line where it’s hard for your brush to reach. Take about 20cm of floss, wrap it around your middle fingers, and guide it between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Turn the floss into a U against one tooth and slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.
4. Use Mouthwash
Mouthwash complements brushing and flossing by further reducing the bacteria inside the mouth. Look for a mouthwash that carries the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. It’s important to note, however, that mouthwash is not a substitute for brushing and flossing.
5. Don’t eat too much sugar and acidic
Sugar and acid can lead to tooth decay. The bacteria inside your mouth live on sugars and create acidic substances that can cause tooth enamel to decay, causing cavities. Limit your consumption of sugary drinks, candies, and acidic fruits, and try to brush your teeth soon after eating these types of foods.
6. Stay Hydrated
Drinking water after meals can help wash out some of the negative effects of sticky and acidic substances. Keeping your mouth moist also helps combat bad breath and dry mouth.
7. Quit Smoking
Smoking not only stains your teeth but can also cause gum disease and oral cancer. For the sake of your oral health (and your overall health), it’s best to quit smoking.
8. Limit Alcohol Consumption
Excessive alcohol can have a damaging effect on your oral health, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. Alcohol can also contribute to dry mouth, which creates a favorable environment for bacteria growth.
9. Pay Attention to Your Oral Health
Stay vigilant about changes in your oral health, such as tooth pain, swollen gums, mouth sores, or bleeding when you brush or floss. If you notice anything unusual, contact your dentist promptly.
10. Clean Your Toothbrush
Wash your brush completely after use and allow it to air-dry. Don’t cover up toothbrushes or store them in containers that are closed because this can encourage the growth of bacteria. Regular dental visits and professional cleanings are crucial, but maintaining your oral health is a day-to-day commitment. By adopting these habits, you can help keep your teeth and gums healthy between dental visits. Remember, a beautiful smile starts with good oral hygiene.
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