Tips to maintain good oral hygiene

Tips to maintain good oral hygiene

Do you think you are aware of the proper techniques of brushing and flossing your teeth on a daily basis? A healthy oral regimen ensures good breath and a healthy state of gums and teeth in the long run. But are you sure you are following the right processes? Swear by the magical tips we have for you to ensure good oral care.

How to make the most of brushing?

The key to best oral health begins with proper brushing. If you can keep the area inside the mouth (where the teeth meet the gum clean), then it will help you prevent maximum oral diseases. To stave off oral cavities, it is important to keep your teeth surface clean. According to the basic brushing techniques suggested by the American Dental Association:

  1. Brush your teeth two times a day – Remember not to rush while you brush. Take enough time to thoroughly do this job.
  2. Learn to use proper dental equipment or toothbrush – Use toothpaste that contains fluoride and a toothbrush that has soft bristles. This helps you brush your teeth comfortably. You can also go for battery operated or electric toothbrushes since it helps you reduce gingivitis and even plaque, better than brushing manually.
  3. Practice a good regimen – For effective cleaning of gums and teeth, hold your brush at an approximate angle of 45 degrees, so that the bristles of the toothbrush aim towards the portion where your tooth comes in contact with your gum. Gently go-round with the brush in a back and forth motion. Always remember to brush the inside, outside, tongue as well as the chewing planes of your teeth.
  4. Always keep your dental equipment clean – Do not forget to wash and rinse your toothbrush every time you brush. Store the wet toothbrush in an upright way in a clean case until it is air-dried before using it again. Try keeping it separate or away from other toothbrushes in order to avoid cross-contamination. Remember not to keep toothbrushes in closed holders for a long time to prevent microbial contamination including the growth of bacteria, yeasts or mold.
  5. Know the time to replace your toothbrush – Keep a track of your toothbrush usage and remember to replace it with an electric or manual toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner when you see the bristles turning irregular or hard.
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Flossing as a part of oral hygiene

Sometimes you might find it difficult to reach the very thin spaces in between your teeth and under the lining of the gum using a toothbrush. For such troubles, flossing plays a vital role in cleaning up those tight spaces and maintain a healthy oral routine. Remember the following tips when you floss:

  1. Do not skimp – Tear off approximately 46 centimeters (18 inches) of your dental floss. Wind maximum of the dental floss around any one of your middle fingers, and the rest of the floss around the same finger on the other hand. Grip the floss properly in between your forefingers and the thumb.
  2. Be very gentle – Slowly guide the dental floss as you have held it between your teeth and in a rubbing motion. Do not snap the floss into the gums. When the floss reaches under the lining of the gum, slightly curve it against a tooth.
  3. Go one tooth at one time – Slide and glide the floss in between the spaces of your tooth and gum. Gently use the floss to rub the sides of each tooth in an up and down manner. Always unwind fresh dental floss as you go forward with the rest of your teeth.
  4. Keep the floss up – If you think it is difficult for you to handle the dental floss, you can use an interdental cleaner instead-such as small brushes which can reach tight areas in between teeth, dental pick, water flosser, pre-threaded flosser, silicone or wooden plaque remover.

As far as you are doing your job thoroughly according to a proper oral hygiene regimen, there is no issue with whether you are brushing or flossing first.

Other tips on oral health care

In addition to whichever techniques you are adopting of brushing and flossing, you can also go for fluoride containing mouthwashes which help promote teeth and gum health and hygiene.

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Not only that, but you should also learn to restrict yourself to minimal usage of toothpicks and other sharp objects which you normally use to remove small bits of food in between the teeth spaces. Using such objects can cause harm to your gum and result in unwanted bleeding.

How do you know when you should visit the doctor?

In order to prevent severe gum related problems and diseases, make it a habit to chalk out a routine to visit your nearest dental clinic or dentist to keep your oral hygiene in track. If you notice any symptoms or signs that are relevant to teeth and gum health problems, do not hesitate to inform your dentist about it and get it checked before more damage is caused. The symptoms may include:

  • Unnecessary bleeding from gums every time you floss or brush your teeth
  • Loss of permanent teeth
  • Gums that start to pull away from the teeth-line
  • Redness, swollen or tenderness of gums
  • Facing difficulty in swallowing
  • Changes in the manner the way your partial dentures or complete dentures fit
  • Persistent unusual taste and bad breath in your mouth
  • Unusual or sudden sensitivity to cold and hot eatables or drinkables
  • Ulcers and sores in your mouth which do not heal quickly
  • Changes in the alignment of your teeth-line when compared in the top and bottom gums

Always remember that the early diagnosis and treatment of problems related to your oral health, which includes your gums, teeth and overall mouth conditions, can help you keep up with a lifetime of good oral hygiene. Every time you smile, you will no longer be scared of bad breath or yellow teeth!

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