Per professional dentists, developing healthy oral hygiene habits is one of the best ways to improve both oral health and overall health. While it might take a little bit of dedication, these habits are well worth the effort as they can serve a healthy smile for years to come.
Brush Before Bed
It’s no secret that one of the standard rules for proper oral care is to brush your teeth at least twice a day. However, many still continue to neglect brushing their teeth at night. So make it a general habit to brush before bed, as it helps to get rid of the germs and plaque that accumulates throughout the day.
Brush Properly
Apart from the number of times you brush your teeth, the way you do it is also equally important. In fact, not brushing your teeth properly is almost as bad as not brushing your teeth at all. Make sure to move the brush in gentle, circular motions to remove plaque. According to a dental hygienist it is also recommended to brush at least for 2 minutes.
There is a 4 step standard way to brush your teeth properly, which goes as (1) Start with the outer surfaces of your teeth (2) Tilt your brush at a 45° angle. (3) Brush the inner surface of your teeth. and (4) Clean the chewing surfaces of your teeth. Cleaning your mouth from plaque is very important as unremoved plaque can harden, leading to calculus buildup and gingivitis (early gum disease).
Brush The Tongue
It’s important to be aware that plaque can also build up in the tongue. This leads to bad mouth odor and many other oral and dental problems. This is why a healthy brushing routine should also include brushing the tongue thoroughly.
Use A Fluoride Toothpaste
When choosing toothpaste, there are many more important elements to look for than whitening powder and flavors. One of them is seeing how much fluoride it contains. Fluoride is an important defensive agent against tooth decay. It works typically by fighting the germs that can cause and grow tooth decay. It also provides a protective barrier for your teeth.
Teeth Flossing
Those who brush regularly neglect to floss. Many think that flossing is only necessary to get rid of little pieces of food that may be stuck in between the teeth. However, it does much more things than that like stimulating the gums, reducing plaque, and helping in lowering inflammation in the area. It’s recommended flossing at least once a day to reap these benefits.
Choose Your Toothbrush Properly
Many of us don’t give much attention to the type of dental equipment and tools we use, which includes our toothbrushes. Remember that if the toothbrush is too big you will strain your teeth while brushing. It also may not be able to reach all the parts of your mouth. So invest in a small toothbrush with soft bristles as hard bristles can easily damage the gums.
While following the above-discussed brushing habits, it’s also recommended that you make dental check-ups at least twice a year (once in six months) at a renowned dental clinic. This will act as preventive care alongside healthy brushing practices to maintain your oral health.
