Of the 7.8 billion people in the world, 3.5 billion suffer from oral diseases. This could be a slight discomfort such as tooth decay or something as complicated as oral cancer. This implies that 4 in 10 people on an average suffer from oral discomforts and diseases. Dentists claim that the major cause for this is improper maintenance of oral hygiene. Proper understanding of oral care and having an oral care routine in place can prevent these diseases. Here is the ultimate guide to maintaining better oral hygiene.
Brushing
The basic elements in brushing are a toothbrush and toothpaste. Choose a toothbrush that is soft-bristled, preferably an electric one. This is because electric toothbrushes are recommended by dentists for better plaque removal and oral hygiene. Electric toothbrushes are also effective in stopping gingivitis, a form of gum disease. You can pick any mild toothpaste, preferably a non-fluoride one to brush your teeth. Make sure that you don’t do it in a hurry. It is also evident from stats that 53% of the population brush their teeth just once a day. However, dentists recommended brushing twice a day for better oral hygiene. It is also important to get your brushes changed frequently. Damaged bristles have a higher possibility of damaging the teeth. They also have reduced efficiency when compared to newer toothbrushes with properly angled bristles.
Flossing
This is an oral hygiene step that most people seem to care less about. But flossing your teeth has several advantages including protecting you from heart failure. Floss your teeth well to avoid bad breath and plaque growth as well. It also helps you escape gum diseases and cavities. Only 16% of people floss their teeth every day. Using floss can help you maintain healthier gums and teeth.
Using a Mouthwash
The third and most important step is gargling with a mouthwash. This helps in removing any residual bacteria left in your mouth even after brushing and flossing. In addition, it also gives a refreshing smell to your mouth. Using mouthwash has reduced the problems caused by cavities in more than 50% of children. However, using an alcohol-based mouthwash could be risky. This is because a few people experience a burning sensation and dry mouth while using such mouthwashes. Make sure to use your mouth wash appropriately. Researches have also shown that frequent usage of mouthwash containing excessive synthetic material may increase the risk of cancer.
Tongue Cleaning
Most people believe that brushing their tongues is enough to remove the bacteria. But it is scientifically proven that using a tongue scraper is more effective. On average, only less than 25% of Americans use scrapers to clean their tongue. The bacteria that grows in your mouth finds the tongue to be a very cosy space and keeps multiplying. Such bacteria are usually enveloped in a biofilm which makes it difficult to remove by just gargling with mouthwash. Using a manual tongue scraper or sometimes even a brush is very effective in removing such bacteria growth. This also in turn helps reduce bad breath and eliminates oral issues.
Proper Diet
The food you eat also has a major role to play in maintaining your oral health. Avoid eating too much acidic. High acidic food damages the enamel of the teeth, weakening them and making them more prone to oral bacteria. Hence avoid high acid-containing food and drinks such as soda. Excessive sugar consumption may also cause health issues. The sugar molecules might remain stuck to your teeth if left unclean. This is the best place for the bacteria to multiply. Drinking more water is also something simple that can reduce the risk of oral problems. This is because drinking water after a meal washes off the bacteria in your mouth.
Dental Appointments
Visiting a dentist at least twice a year is mandatory. A frequent checkup can help eliminate oral issues and get them rectified before further complications. These experts can suggest changes in your oral routine and even recommend products that could be used for your oral hygiene. This is better than picking random oral care products from the store shelf, that may or may not suit you. A dental hygienist may also help you clean up your teeth to remove your plaque deposition. This can help you escape bad breath, stained teeth and other oral issues. Teeth are taking up the first position on the list of things that people note when they meet someone for the first time. Hence the main thing better oral hygiene is essential for a confident life. These are just a few steps that we can incorporate into our lifestyle for better oral health.
Pointers:
- Pay attention while brushing your teeth.
- Don’t rush while your brush
- Make sure to use an alcohol-free mouthwash to avoid irritation and dry mouth
- Keep sugary and acidic foods away to enjoy a happy smile
- Walk in to meet your dentist to get your teeth to check from time to time