Maintaining your oral health takes more than scheduling dental visits twice a year. To ensure that your oral health is good ’round the clock, it’s essential to develop a good routine that incorporates the right habits. When figuring out what is a good oral hygiene routine, you should keep in mind that your oral health can impact your overall health. Therefore, it’s important to find the best oral hygiene routine and receive the best dental care to prevent issues down the line.
So, what is a good oral hygiene routine? Here are ten of the best tips for healthy teeth and gums.
Brush Twice A Day
Brushing your teeth twice a day is common advice that most people are aware of. However, it’s not enough to simply brush your teeth. You have to learn the proper techniques for brushing so that you can effectively remove plaque and bacteria that cause decay. So, the answer to what is a good oral hygiene routine should always involve a detailed answer of how to brush your teeth correctly. This is done using small circular motions that are not too aggressive. If you brush too hard, you risk damaging your gums and tooth enamel. Make sure you perform the same circular motions for the front, back, and top of each tooth.
If you were brushing your teeth correctly, it’s never too late to start learning the proper technique. Otherwise, when you keep brushing your teeth incorrectly, you might as well not be doing anything at all. When brushing your teeth, one last thing to keep in mind is to avoid going to bed without cleaning your teeth first. The last thing you want is to spend the night with all the germs and plaque that would have accumulated on your teeth and in your mouth over the course of the day.
Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly
If you’re using your toothbrush at least twice a day, every day, it means your toothbrush is getting a lot of use. So, it’s important to change your toothbrush regularly or as soon as it begins showing signs of wear and tear. To begin with, you should purchase a soft-bristled toothbrush every time you need to replace your toothbrush. Generally, you need to replace your toothbrush once every three months or six months, though this will depend on the type and quality of the toothbrush you have.
When it’s time to upgrade your toothbrush, you’ll notice that the bristles become damaged and frayed. After a while, the bristles of your toothbrush will begin to come off, and when it’s in this condition, it’s no longer able to clean your teeth effectively. In addition, if you don’t rinse your toothbrush and store it properly after each use, your toothbrush can become a breeding ground for bacteria. This can cause infection as you keep reintroducing the bacteria into your mouth.
Brush Your Tongue
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day using the proper technique is essential, but your oral hygiene routine is never complete unless you also brush your teeth. Although many people place greater importance on brushing their teeth, the importance of brushing the tongue should never be overlooked. That’s because the tongue can harbor a lot of bacteria which can quickly multiply if the tongue is not cleaned. So, each time you’re brushing your teeth, you should also give your tongue some attention. There are various ways to keep your tongue clean, including using a toothbrush.
You simply brush your tongue before or after brushing your teeth. Alternatively, you can use a tongue scraper to clean your tongue. Tongue scrapers tend to be more effective at cleaning the tongue, so if you don’t already have one, shop around and add it to your dental care routine. Tongue scrapers are flat and made from metal or plastic. Using one is easy since all you have to do is scrape away the build-up on your tongue. When this becomes a habit, you will become better at recognizing the times when your tongue needs cleaning.
Floss Once a Day
Brushing your teeth and your tongue is only one-half of the equation. The other part is flossing your teeth at least once daily. Brushing helps to remove bacteria and plaque on the surface of the teeth. On the other hand, flossing removes plaque and bacteria that gets trapped between your teeth in areas where the bristles of your toothbrush can’t reach. If the debris and food particles between the teeth are not removed, this can cause bad breath.
When flossing your teeth, the proper technique is to gently insert the floss between the teeth and push down until you reach the gumline. You then move the floss up and down to remove the plaque and little pieces of food. Besides keeping your mouth clean, there are also many benefits associated with flossing your teeth regularly. It helps to stimulate blood flow in the gums and reduce inflammation which causes pain. Some people find flossing difficult, in which case, ready-made dental flossers are often recommended.
Use a Toothpaste That Contains Fluoride
Fluoride is naturally occurring and is derived from the element fluorine. If you ask most experts about what is a good oral hygiene routine, it’s very rare to receive an answer that doesn’t at least mention the importance of fluoride. The biggest benefit associated with fluoride is that it strengthens teeth and helps to prevent cavities. The easiest way to reap the benefits of this mineral is by using toothpaste that contains fluoride. However, keep in mind that not all types of toothpaste are made equal since some don’t contain fluoride.
So, pay extra attention when you go shopping for toothpaste. Sometimes, you can also improve your oral health by drinking water that contains fluoride. Generally, it’s widely believed that fluoride helps to fight the germs that can cause tooth decay. It can help strengthen the teeth by contributing to the health of the protective barrier.
Use A Fluoride Mouthwash
When figuring out what is a good oral hygiene routine that will suit you, consider the addition of fluoride mouthwash. Even if you’re brushing and flossing regularly, you still need all the help you can get to prevent cavities. The fluoride in the mouthwash will strengthen your tooth enamel. If you’re on the go, you may not always have the time to brush your teeth and floss. However, mouthwash can provide you with a quick way to freshen your breath. It’s got antibacterial properties, so it kills bacteria that cause odors.
Due to its long-lasting effect, mouthwash can also help minimize the amount of plaque that grows on your teeth which can be a big improvement for your oral health. It also helps remove particles, leaving your mouth cleaner and fresher than simply relying on brushing and flossing.
Watch What You Put Into Your Mouth And Near Your Teeth
When considering what is a good oral hygiene routine for you, you may fail to consider the impact of diet and certain habits. For instance, it’s now more important than ever to limit sugar intake and focus on eating a healthier diet. Too much sugar increases the risk of cavities and tooth decay. So that means you should avoid a long list of foods that include candy, sweets, and desserts. In addition, you should also avoid the excessive intake of starchy foods, such as bread and pasta. That’s because these foods are broken down by enzymes in the saliva and converted into simple sugars that also increase the risk of activities.
What’s more, when bacteria in your mouth feed on these simple sugars, they will quickly multiply and produce acid that damages teeth as a by-product. Instead of sugary drinks, it’s better to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Also, avoid excessive snaking as it leaves more food debris in your mouth, which contributes to plaque build-up. Besides what you’re eating and drinking, you should also keep in mind that if you’re a smoker, your oral health can suffer as a result. Smoking also stains your teeth, leading to yellow teeth and sometimes bad breath.
Visit a Dental Clinic at Least Twice A Year
To answer the question of what is a good oral hygiene routine, a crucial part of this is to visit a dental clinic every six months. There are many reasons why it’s so important to visit the dentist twice per year. For one, when you visit your dentist, your teeth will be inspected and cleaned, which all helps to maintain good oral hygiene. In addition, your gums are inspected to watch out for and treat any early signs of gum disease. Even if you brush your teeth twice each day, routine cleanings can be highly beneficial to your teeth and will keep them in good condition.
This explains why seeing your dentist regularly is often referred to as preventive dentistry. During your appointment, your dentist will do a lot more than clean and inspect your gums and teeth. They will also check for signs of oral cancer and other symptoms that indicate oral health issues. If you’re not a fan of dental visits, seeing your dentist for these routine checkups can reduce the number of follow-up appointments you need. Generally, the number of checkups you need will depend on your age and overall dental health. But for the most part, two checkups per year are more than enough to catch dental issues before they become serious.
Get Dental Treatment Whenever There’s a Problem
As mentioned, it’s important that you see your dentist every six months, but this only applies to routine checkups. It’s also important to get into the habit of seeking dental clinic services if you have any dental problems. The sooner you see your dentist, the better if you want to prevent future issues. If you have some dental concerns, your dentist will conduct an exam to determine how best to deal with the issue. For instance, if you have cavities that need attention, your dentist will suggest dental fillings to stop the spread of tooth decay.
Besides tooth decay, gum disease is another common dental problem that can develop into a serious issue if you don’t get early dental treatment. The problem is that most people are rarely concerned about their oral health enough to conduct periodic exams of their mouth, gums, and teeth. So a lot of minor dental problems go unnoticed until they turn into major, expensive issues that can also cost you your health. Whenever possible, seek the immediate attention of your dentist if you feel there’s something wrong. Visiting your dentist regularly is also a great way to get expert advice in your journey to discovering what is a good oral hygiene routine.
Consider Getting Cosmetic Dental Care
Cosmetic dentistry helps to promote oral hygiene. While most people consider cosmetic dentistry as a way to improve aesthetics and feel more confident about their smile, it can also help boost oral function and health. Cosmetic dentistry procedures include dental implants, Invisalign, and gum grafts. You can even get a dental bridge to enhance oral function.
When you go in for your cosmetic dental procedure, getting your teeth cleaned beforehand is necessary. The other thing is that restorative dental treatment like inlays, inlays, crowns, and bonding prevent your teeth from getting damaged, which can affect other teeth. In short, getting cosmetic dental care from your orthodontist when you need it will improve your bite, repair weak teeth, and boost your overall oral health.
To conclude, there are many tips and tricks that you can incorporate as you figure out what is a good oral hygiene routine for you. Over time the tips you apply become habits that will keep your teeth and gums healthy. Start now to incorporate these tips. Brush and floss regularly, use fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash, get the right dental treatment and eat healthy foods. That is the best answer for those who’re interested in knowing what is a good oral hygiene routine.
