Brushing your teeth twice daily is not the only thing you need to do for oral care. You’ve got to do more! Every step matters from learning how to use a brush to having all dental care products in your cabinet. Good oral hygiene must include teeth care, dental visits, and healthy eating habits. By understanding proper brushing techniques and ensuring you have the right dental products you can be sure that you are covering all the important steps for a thorough cleaning. Check out these 9 dental hygiene tips to take your oral hygiene to the next level!
1) Brush your teeth the right way
Keeping your teeth and brush clean is an important oral hygiene tip. Brushing for two minutes, twice a day also known as the 2x2 rule will help you keep cavities away. You can play some music or keep a timer to make sure you brush for two minutes. Using an electric toothbrush with an in-built timer is also a great way to follow the 2x2 rule. To make it easier to clean your entire mouth, make sure you clean every quadrant of your mouth for 30 seconds each and hold your brush at a 45-degree angle. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and do not brush vigorously. Brush softly without damaging any soft tissues around your teeth. Be sure to clean all surfaces as well as along the gum line.
2) Replace your toothbrush at the right time
As a general rule, changing your toothbrush every 3 to 6 months is a good oral hygiene tip to keep your teeth and gums from getting damaged. Frayed or damaged toothbrushes can do more harm than good by not cleaning your teeth effectively and causing damage to your gums. Make sure you always rinse your toothbrush after use and keep it in a dry place. Remember to replace your toothbrush if you had fallen sick and prevent any bacteria from re-entering your mouth.
3) Visit your dentist every six months
Prevention is better than cure. So, visit your dentist every six months as they will be able to point out any dental issues that you may be unaware of. Regular dental cleaning from a dentist is also a good way to keep your dental health in check. Regular check-ups help you to remove any buildup of plaque or tartar which helps to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
4) Floss properly
It is a recommended dental hygiene tip to floss before you brush your teeth, to remove any particles that may be stuck in between your teeth. Various kinds of floss are available online such as the wax coated wired floss and the non waxed ones as well as the water flosser. Flossing may require some practice if you are using a wired floss. A water flosser may be easier as you only need to press a button and the stream of water will clear all the debris stuck in between your teeth. If you only brush and don’t floss your teeth then debris of food may get stuck and lead to decay in the long run.
5) Use a tongue cleaner
You may have heard why cleaning your tongue is important but never paid attention to it. Your tongue has taste receptors and helps you taste, avoid bad breath and absorb your food better when cleaned. Cleaning your tongue with a tongue cleaner can help remove the bad bacteria from your tongue and help in better absorption of food leading to better digestive health. Tongue cleaners are available of various types such as a stainless steel, plastic or copper. Copper tongue cleaner is recommended as a dental hygiene tip by most dentists as copper has anti-bacterial properties.
6) Maintain a healthy diet
Avoid eating sugary foods such as candies and chocolates. Avoid sodas, alcohol and teas to prevent yellowing of teeth. Eat more leafy vegetables and greens. Foods such as yoghurt, cheese, almonds will help add calcium to your diet and keep your teeth strong.
7) Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated helps not just your overall health but also your oral care. It can help maintain a healthy saliva flow and aid in dental health by moving food particles throughout your mouth and preventing them from lodging in between your teeth where bacteria can grow. Hydration also helps keep your mouth moist and comfortable.
8) Avoid smoking
One of the best things you can do for your teeth care and overall health is quit smoking. Smoking causes staining of teeth as well as several issues such as gum diseases which can lead to tooth loss and oral cancer. Research found that those who quit smoking saw significant improvement in their gum diseases than the ones who continued smoking. You can improve your oral health even if you have been a smoker for a long time by quitting.
9) Use good dental hygiene products
Use a good electric toothbrush, water flosser, copper tongue cleaner and a alcohol free mouthwash for effective oral care. Make sure you use these products daily and make them a part of your everyday routine. You must use these products along with regular brushing and flossing. While these may seem like an expensive investment today it will save you tons of money at the dentist later.