To keep your gums and teeth healthy, you need to practice good oral hygiene. This means practices like flossing and brushing twice a day. People who neglect their teeth deal with issues like gum problems and tooth decay, which affect one’s self-confidence. To avoid this, here are a few tips to help you maintain oral hygiene.
1. Brush Regularly and Gently
Almost everyone knows that you have to brush your teeth twice a day to keep your mouth clean. However, the brushing technique you use is important as well. Brush in small circular movement while brushing the front, top, and back of every tooth. The process should take about 3 minutes maximum. Also, please do not use a hard toothbrush as it can damage the gum and the tooth enamel, resulting in increased tooth sensitivity. Lastly, change the toothbrush after every three months or if it becomes too worn out, whichever happens first.
2. Floss Daily
Flossing helps remove bacteria or plaque between the teeth since your toothbrush may not reach there. By removing any food that remains between the teeth, one can prevent bad breath. A lot of dentists suggest you gently squeeze the floss to the gumline and let the floss hug the teeth, then move it in an up and down movement.
3. Visit the Dentist Regularly
According to experts, you need to see a dentist twice a year for a routine dental exam. Here you can get your teeth cleaned as the hygienist removes any plaque or hardened tartar. During the examination, the dentist can also check for signs of any oral diseases like mouth cancer, gum disease, and dental cavities. If you are undergoing Invisalign treatment, Denver Orthodontist recommends checkups after every four to six weeks. However, it is good to talk to your dentist about how often you will need the checkup. Sometimes, the physician will factor in your age, health history, and general dental health, then make a recommendation.
4. Use Fluoride
Most dental experts believe fluoride aids in preventing cavities. That is why you will find it in most toothpaste and mouthwash. Studies have shown that lack of fluoride can cause tooth decay despite a person taking care of their teeth. Therefore, next time you go to the store to get mouthwash or toothpaste, check if it contains fluoride.
5. Avoid Sugary Foods and Starches
Taking too much sugar can cause cavities. Sugar plays a significant role in destructive dental health issues. This includes desserts and candy, although other processed foods have sugar as well. According to the World Health Organization, people should limit sugar intake in their calories to below 10%. Starch foods like chips, crackers, bread, and pasta affect your teeth. When these foods remain in the mouth, they disintegrate into simple sugars, causing tooth decay.
6. Avoid Sugary Drinks
Minimize the intake of sugary drinks and take water instead. Juice, soda, and other sugary drinks increase the risk of cavities. By practicing good oral hygiene, one will develop healthy and strong gums and teeth. Also, kids should be taught about dental hygiene from an early age to grow up with the practices ingrained in their minds.
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