Our oral health is the doorway to our body. A visit to the dentist should not just be a ‘biannual drill and fill’ where other health concerns are ignored. It is imperative to understand how our oral health impacts our entire body. By ignoring our daily oral care routine we risk our heart, lungs, kidneys and even our brains because of the buildup of bacteria.
Considering your overall health stakes, preventive care is important and there are many natural methods that can help you maintain your oral health.
Toothbrush
Using the right kind of toothbrush is important. It is the one oral care product that most people use. As per various studies, it has been proven that electric toothbrushes clean better than manual toothbrushes. There are several reasons for this -
1) An electric toothbrush can reach those parts of your mouth that a manual toothbrush can’t.
2) Electric toothbrushes are timed which means you use the brush for a minimum of 2 minutes rather than leaving it halfway. Also, it helps build a sustainable habit of timing the process which ensures proper cleaning of your teeth.
3) An electric toothbrush, a rotating one is better than a manual one as it helps reach all areas of your mouth
4) Electric toothbrushes are sustainable as you only need to change the brush head rather than the whole brush.
5) Apart from this, using a soft-bristled toothbrush is better than a hard-bristles one as it cleans better and does not cause any abrasions or friction with gums.
Toothpaste
You must study the labels of your toothpaste and be wary of the ingredients. You must buy toothpaste as per your individual needs. While whitening toothpaste may be a good option for some it may not be the best option for those having sensitive teeth as it can cause abrasions. A toothpaste containing fluoride can help prevent decay and make your teeth stronger. For those with sensitive teeth, toothpaste containing potassium nitrate or strontium chloride can be used as these act as desensitizing agents. It is advised to visit a dentist and use dentist-recommended or IDA(Indian Dental Association) approved toothpaste.
Flossing
Flossing is important for your oral health as it helps remove particles stuck in your mouth that can cause plaque. But using the right floss and flossing technique is equally important. There are two kinds of flosses available in the market- string floss and water flosser. String floss is effective in removing food stuck in between teeth and gums but must be used carefully as it can cause cuts. Also, some string flosses may contain Teflon-like per-fluorinated polymers which are linked to cancers and hormonal disruptions. Using a water flosser is a safer and more effective option as it helps remove the particles stuck in your mouth through water pressure which is all-natural and doesn’t cause any harm.
Mouthwashes
Using a mouthwash is as important as brushing or flossing and must be a part of your daily oral care routine. When choosing a mouthwash, alcohol-free mouthwash is a better one than the one with it as alcohol can lead to dry mouth and is not the best for sensitive teeth. Along with a good mouthwash containing natural ingredients, using warm water and salt to gargle is also a great option to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy.
Oil pulling
Oil pulling is an ancient ayurvedic method that helps keep your mouth free of bacteria, plaque and other microbes. It is a great anti-microbial and helps keep bad breath and irritated gums in check. The technique involves swishing a spoonful of coconut oil in your mouth for 10-20 minutes. Lauric acid in coconut oil fights bacteria and gives you a cleaner mouth.
Tongue
Your tongue needs some attention too! A tongue cleaner must be used regularly to remove the bacteria build up on your tongue. Bacteria on the tongue cause bad breath and therefore must be removed using a tongue cleaner. Choosing a good tongue cleaner is also important as you will use it daily. Tongue cleaners are either made of plastic, stainless steel or copper. It's best to use a copper tongue cleaner as copper as a metal has great anti-microbial properties.
Frequently asked Questions
1. What are the five basics of oral health?
The five basics of oral health include brushing twice a day, flossing, using a mouthwash, avoiding junk, alcohol and tobacco, using a tongue cleaner and visiting a dentist regularly.
2. How can I improve my mouth health?
There are various ways to improve your mouth health. The first step is to evaluate your current mouth health by visiting a dentist. Secondly, you must take steps to improve your oral health by making sure that you brush twice a day, floss, clean your tongue, use mouthwash and avoid sugar, soda and tobacco. These basics can help you improve and maintain your mouth health.
3. Why is good oral health important?
Good oral health is important as it impacts your overall health. Having good teeth, gums and good oral hygiene also helps one to stay confident and enjoy better health.
4. What are the three parts of oral health?
The three parts of oral health include - brushing twice a day, flossing and visiting a dentist bi-annually. Apart from these three one must also make a tongue cleaner and mouthwash as parts of their daily routine.
5. What affects oral health?
A lot of different factors could impact your oral health. Accidents or trauma could impact your teeth or gums. Drinking too much caffeine, soda or alcohol could make your teeth yellow and deposit stains on them. Not taking care of your teeth and gums by maintaining a basic hygiene routine can also impact your oral health negatively.
6. What is oral hygiene?
Good oral health helps you enjoy life. Oral hygiene means taking care of one’s mouth by means of regular habits of brushing, flossing etc. Good oral hygiene can go a long way in saving you time and money.
7. When should I use mouthwash?
A mouthwash can be used anytime before or after brushing. It helps clean your mouth completely and reaches those parts of your mouth where regular brushing doesn’t.