How To Improve Your Oral Hygiene
Keeping your teeth clean is key to enjoying better overall health and wellbeing throughout your life. From tooth decay to gum disease, there are so many conditions that can start in the mouth and then progress, eventually affecting other parts of the body.
No matter your age or how frequently you see your dentist, it’s worth knowing how to keep on improving your dental hygiene.
Six Ways To Improve Your Dental Hygiene
1. Follow a Routine
One of the most important ways to take care of your teeth is to establish a proper care routine. This should be simple yet effective, using supplies you can use just as easily on the move as you can at home.
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Start by making sure you brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride-containing toothpaste. Remember, there are so many different types of toothpaste on the market, so it’s worth choosing one tailored to your teeth sensitivity and any existing conditions you might have. When you’re brushing, try to use the toothbrush in gentle circular motions.
2. Know What Foods To Avoid
Though you should always try to eat a balanced and nutritious diet – and one that includes your favourite fruits and sweet treats – there are certain foods and drinks that could have a detrimental effect on your teeth.
Fizzy drinks spring to mind for most, with the standard 330ml can of cola containing almost 40 grams of sugar. A diet that’s too high in sugar puts you at increased risk of tooth decay. You might be surprised to learn that iced coffee can contain more sugar than chocolate, especially with added syrups and creams.
3. Don’t Forget To Floss
Flossing only adds a few minutes to your dental health routine but ensures that plaque and small pieces of food won’t stay lodged between your teeth. It’s a brilliant way to clean the bits of your teeth that your toothbrush simply can’t reach, helping your mouth stay more hygienic between trips to the dentist.
If you’re not keen on the feel of traditional floss, choosing to try a water flosser could transform your dental routine. By allowing you to floss comfortably and without irritation, you can enjoy fresh breath all day, every day.
4. Use Mouthwash
Even if you’re already brushing twice a day, you might not feel like that’s enough. Rinsing with mouthwash will not only leave your mouth (and breath) feeling fresh but could help to reduce plaque and food build up in your mouth too.
Rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash reduces the chances of bacteria accumulating in your mouth, which has been proven to cause infection. This technique is recommended for people with dental implants, or those recovering from existing infection or health issues.
5. Eat Teeth Whitening Foods
There are certain foods that can help keep your teeth white raw foods such as cucumbers, celery, apples, pears. They help scrub tooth surfaces and remove some of the plaque that can appear. In addition to this these foods are crunchy all the extra chewing time will stimulate saliva which helps to neutralise acids that can erode teeth.
6. Visit Your Dentist
Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of annual checkups with your dentist or orthodontist. Getting a professional assessment is the only way for you to enjoy peace of mind about your teeth, or to get any issues promptly diagnosed and addressed.
If you have urgent concerns about your teeth or gums, don’t wait until your next routine appointment before raising them. Don’t hesitate to call your dentist if you’re experiencing pain, discomfort, or anything unexpected with your teeth.
