Every person wants a beautiful smile, and taking care of the teeth and gums can help them achieve this goal. Oral hygiene is linked to overall health as well. When a person neglects their teeth and gums, they could struggle with cavities, halitosis, gum disease, and more. They also need to worry about how their poor oral health is affecting the rest of the body. By practicing good oral hygiene, they can avoid these concerns.
Brushing Technique
People of all ages must brush their teeth at least twice a day. Fluoride toothpaste should be used with a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect the enamel of the teeth. Many people brush too hard thinking this will get the teeth cleaner. There is no need to do so.
When brushing, use small circular motions to reach all parts of the teeth. Pay extra attention to the area around the gum line. In addition, replace the toothbrush quarterly, as toothbrushes lose their effectiveness over time. A quality toothbrush is needed for good oral healthcare.
Floss Daily
A toothbrush is unable to get to the food particles and plaque between the tooth. To remove these items, a person must floss daily, typically at bedtime. Wrap the floss between two fingers and form a “C” shape, gently move the floss between the teeth to clean the sides. Doing so will stop plaque from building up while minimizing the risk of gum disease.
Use Mouthwash
Mouthwash does more than help prevent bad breath. An antimicrobial mouthwash reduces bacteria in the mouth while helping clean those areas not reached by the toothbrush or floss. Choose a mouthwash that contains fluoride, but avoid those with alcohol. They can leave the mouth dry.
Eat Healthy Foods
A person’s diet has a significant effect on their oral health. People should avoid sugary foods and drinks as well as those that are highly acidic. Consumption of these foods and beverages can lead to tooth decay and erode the enamel on the teeth. Replace these items in the diet with fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and lean proteins. Eat foods that are high in calcium and phosphates because they help make the teeth stronger. Fruits and vegetables that are crunchy help clean the teeth, so they should be staples in every person’s diet.
Avoid Tobacco Products
Tobacco is not good for a person’s oral health. It stains the teeth and increases a person’s chances of oral cancer. Gum disease and bad breath go hand in hand with tobacco use as well. When a person gives up tobacco, their oral health and overall health both improve.
Stay Hydrated
People need to drink plenty of water to protect their gums and teeth. The water will wash away any food particles that remain in the mouth after they eat. It will also neutralize acids present in the mouth, which is important because these acids play a role in the development of cavities. When a person is hydrated, their body is able to produce plenty of saliva. The saliva also helps neutralize acid and fight bad bacteria present in the mouth.
Wear a Mouthguard
Always wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports. Do the same when taking part in any physical activity. People don’t realize how easy it is to damage a tooth when they are out having fun, but it happens. What many people don’t realize is children who play basketball and baseball are at high risk of losing a tooth. They don’t wear anything to protect their face, so they could lose a tooth completely when playing one of these sports. A mouthguard helps to protect against that. It protects the teeth from many types of damage. Work with the dentist to create a custom mouthguard for the highest level of protection.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
Every person, regardless of age, should see their dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. The dentist might recommend more frequent visits based on what they find during these checkups. When a problem is found, the dentist can take steps to halt its progression.
Every person needs to care for their teeth. Although dentists now have more treatment options, a person can save time and money by practicing good oral hygiene. Speak with the dentist today for more hints and tips. As the dentist is the one examining the mouth, they know better than anyone what the patient needs to keep the teeth and gums healthy.