10 Great Dental Hygiene Tips

10 Great Dental Hygiene Tips

Post by : admin | 7 February 2024

Everyone wants to have a great smile which is why good oral hygiene is important! Having poor oral hygiene can lead to a variety of dental and medical problems in the future such as gum disease, infection, bone loss, heart disease, strokes and more. Regular check ups and cleanings can prevent these problems as well as provide you with good oral hygiene.

Here is a list of 10 Dental hygiene steps you can take to promote great oral hygiene.

1. Proper Brushing

One of the easiest steps to do to help your teeth keep clean. When brushing your teeth, position the bristles at an angle of 45 degrees near the gum line. Both the gum line and the tooth surface should be in contact with the bristles.

Brush the outer surfaces of the teeth using a back-and-forth, up-and-down motion, making sure to be done gently in order to avoid bleeding. To clean the inside surfaces of the teeth and gums, place the bristles at a 45-degree angle again and repeat the back-and-forth, up-and-down motion. Lastly, brush the surfaces of your tongue and the roof of your mouth to remove bacteria, which might cause bad breath.

Try to brush at least twice a day to prevent acid buildup from the breakdown of food by bacteria. However, if your work or activities prevent you from doing this, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water after eating to minimize the amount of food that would serve as substrate for the bacteria.

2. Flossing!

We know, it’s a chore and alot of times forgetful after brushing if rushing out the door or heading to bed. However, flossing can help you remove food particles and other detrimental substances that brushing regularly cannot. Flossing allows you to reach deep between your teeth where the toothbrush bristles cannot reach or even mouthwash cannot wash away. We recommend flossing at least once a day.

3. Avoid Tobacco

This will be a big favor to your teeth. One, it will save you from oral cancer and periodontal complications. Two, it will save you from the countless ill effects caused by the agents used to mask the smell of tobacco. For example, if you smoke a cigarette, you may use candies, tea or coffee to mask the smoky breath and odor. This doubles the amount of damage caused.

4. Limit Sodas, Coffee and Alcohol

Although these beverages contain a high level of phosphorous, which is a necessary mineral for a healthy mouth, too much phosphorous can deplete the body’s level of calcium. This causes dental hygiene problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. Beverages containing additives such as corn syrup and food dye can make pearly white teeth appear dull and discolored. Therefore, it is best to choose beverages like milk, which helps strengthen teeth and build stronger enamel, giving you a healthy, beautiful smile and water which hydrates your body longer than sugary drinks.

5. Diet and Dental Health

Your diet plays a significant role in your dental health. Crunchy fruits and vegetables, like apples and carrots, are not only healthy but also help clean your teeth. They stimulate saliva production, which is nature’s way of cleaning your mouth. Conversely, sugary and acidic foods should be consumed in moderation. Sugar converts to acid in the mouth, eroding the enamel of your teeth and leading to cavities.

6. Regular Dental Checkups

Visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings is essential. They can spot potential problems early, offer professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, and provide tailored advice for your specific dental needs.

7. Use Mouthwash along side brushing and flossing

Mouthwash is not particularly necessary and not all mouthwashes are useful. Mouthwashes containing Listerine our chlorine dioxide are very helpful because they help to kill and maintain the bacteria in your mouth. It can help maintain good breath as well as help maintain strong teeth. Mouthwash cannot do all the work but if your are already brushing, flossing, visiting the dentist and eating well, mouthwash is the cherry on top that will make your dental health great.

8. Considering Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. They can prevent decay in the pits and fissures of these teeth, which are often hard to clean. Getting dental sealants done can help prevent those hard-to-reach areas of your teeth and significantly improve your oral health.

9. Understanding Toothpaste and Fluoride

Choosing the right toothpaste is important. Fluoride toothpaste is recommended because fluoride helps to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay. There are various types of toothpaste available for different needs, such as sensitive teeth, whitening, or tartar control.

10. Toothbrush Care and Hygiene

Your toothbrush can harbour bacteria, so it’s important to rinse it thoroughly after each use and let it air dry. Store it in an upright position, and don’t let toothbrush heads touch others to avoid cross-contamination.

Conclusion

In conclusion, maintaining great dental hygiene is crucial for your overall health and well-being. It involves a combination of regular brushing, flossing, using mouthwash, and visiting your dentist. Eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and quitting harmful habits like smoking are also vital. By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy, giving you a beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.

If you want to improve your smile please call us on 0208 399 4311