Your oral hygiene depends on your oral hygiene routine, from preventing cavities to preventing mouth odor and even a bright smile. Gum disease has been linked to other health complications including diabetes, stroke, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and even preterm labor.
According to experts, a healthy oral hygiene program includes brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day. While this is a great place to start, there is still a lot more that you can do to improve your oral health.
Oral health begins with adopting healthy habits that protect your teeth and gums. Keeping your gums and teeth clean is important to prevent gum disease and cavities. Here are some helpful dental care tips to improve your oral hygiene routine.
Brush regularly but not aggressively
It is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day when you wake up / after breakfast and the last thing before going to bed. When brushing your teeth, you don’t have to be too aggressive. Using too much aggression when brushing your teeth can stress your gums and cause damage in the end.
Apply light pressure while brushing while tilting your brush at a 45 degree angle against your gum tissue. Brush in short circular motions, making sure to cover all areas of your mouth.
Choose the right brush
You know the saying, “Use a soft brush to clean yourself.” Well, have you ever wondered why? This is because stiff bristle brushes can be too abrasive on the gums and cause damage over time. The best type of toothbrush is one with medium soft bristles so that it cleans but doesn’t scratch!
The reason for using a soft brush is that while brushing our teeth in the morning can cool us off, using a stiff bristled brush can actually damage the health of our gums over time if brushed for longer. two minutes continuously. So make sure that when choosing an oral care product like a toothbrush or dental floss, specifically look for those that indicate their hardness.
With so many toothbrushes available on the market today, it can be difficult to know which one is best for your needs. Much Necessary has put together some useful tips that will help you make a more informed decision on the type of brush that will work well with your oral care routine and budget.
Keep your brush clean
According to research, toothbrush holders contain a lot of germs when not properly maintained.
Your oral health also depends on the nature of your toothbrush. Making sure to rinse your brush after brushing will ensure that you clean the brush of any dirt that has accumulated during brushing. It is also strongly recommended that you keep your brush in a clean, dry place.
Wash your toothbrush holder at least once every two weeks to make sure you get rid of germs every time. You can clean it in the dishwasher or in hot soapy water and wipe it dry after using disinfectant. This will ensure that your brush does not pick up germs from the holder and get them into your mouth.
Know when to replace the toothbrush
Scientific experts and dentists recommend changing your toothbrush at least once every two to three months or as soon as the bristles fray or become discolored. You should also consider replacing your toothbrush if the bristles harden to avoid damaging your gums.
Watch out for cavities
When it comes to good oral health, brushing your teeth isn’t the only way to prevent cavities. There are other habits you can adopt every day to prevent cavities. These include:
Use sugar-free gum
Sugars are one of the main causes of cavities. To consider limit your sugar intake to keep your teeth free from cavities. If you like to chew, you can switch to sugarless gum and choose desserts and sugar-free foods. You can replace sugary foods with high-fiber vegetables and fruits.
Consider using xylitol as a sugar substitute to prevent tooth decay. Xylitol attracts germs in your gums and mouth and kills them, reducing the number of harmful germs in your mouth.
Pay attention to the use of vitamin D
Having very low levels of vitamin D in your diet can have a negative effect on your dental health by increasing the possibility of developing periodontal disease and tooth decay. Vitamin D is highly needed because it supplies minerals to your oral cavity, including your teeth and bones.
Use fluoride toothpaste
Fluorinated mineral is a product of an earth element in the soil called fluorine. According to experts, fluoride is healthy for your teeth because it can help prevent cavities, making it a common ingredient in toothpastes and mouthwashes.
When choosing a toothpaste or mouthwash, be sure to choose one with fluoride. Even if you use the best oral health routine, a lack of fluoride can lead to tooth decay. Brushing and flossing won’t protect your teeth from cavities if you don’t use fluoride.
Using a mouthwash
Mouthwash is perfect for fresh breath, reducing mouth plaque and gingivitis, soothing a dry mouth and whitening your teeth. If you brush your teeth and floss twice a day, you should consider adding mouthwash to your routine. It is recommended to shake vigorously for at least half a minute, twice a day. Invest in an antimicrobial mouthwash to make sure you kill more oral bacteria and fight dental plaque.
A dirty tongue is the number one cause of mouth odor. The tongue has ridges and grooves that trap and retain bacteria as they are the perfect place for bacteria to multiply. While brushing your teeth can help, consider investing in a stainless steel or plastic scraper for your tongue. This will ensure you get rid of smelly toxins on your tongue for fresh breath all day long.
Visit a dentist regularly
When it comes to your oral health, prevention is better than cure. To assure visit a dentist is one of your regular chores for both exams and cleaning. This is the best way to spot dental health problems before they get worse. You should see a dentist at least once every six months. The dentist checks for signs of gum disease, oral cancer, cavities, and other health problems and removes hardened tartar and plaque.
Adopting a healthy oral care routine is the first step in enjoying healthy teeth and gums. With the tips highlighted in this article, you can improve your dental hygiene routine to ensure that your mouth stays healthy overall.