Proper oral hygiene is essential to ensure that your gums and teeth remain healthy. Your oral health is so important that research has found an association between an individual’s oral health and general health. If left unattended, gum problems or tooth decay can result in pain and even tooth loss. The following are key practices that can ensure that your gums and teeth remain healthy.
Brush Your Teeth Properly
Regular brushing is critical to oral hygiene as it aids in getting rid of the plaque and germs that were accumulated during the day. Not brushing properly is not much better than not doing it at all. You have to make sure not to rush the process, moving your toothbrush in circular, gentle motions to eradicate plaque. Without this, plaque will harden, resulting in gingivitis and tartar buildup.
Don’t Ignore the Tongue
Plaque will also accumulate on the tongue if it isn’t brushed properly. This can result in mouth odor, as well as oral health issues. You should spend some time focusing on cleaning the tongue each time you brush your teeth. Some people like to use tongue scrapers for this purpose.
Use Fluoride Toothpaste
When selecting toothpaste, ensure that it contains fluoride. While the effects of fluoride on our overall health have come under some scrutiny, the substance remains a centerpiece in oral hygiene. Fluoride works by combating germs that could result in decay, making it the best defense against cavities.
Don’t Neglect Flossing
Flossing isn’t just essential for removing tiny pieces of food that may be stuck between the teeth. It is also a good way to reduce plaque, stimulate your gums, and aid lower inflammation. By flossing just once every day, you can enjoy these benefits.
Consider Mouthwash
Mouthwash helps the teeth by lowering the amount of acid in your mouth, cleaning hard-to-reach areas around your gums, and remineralizing your teeth. Mouthwash is beneficial as a supplemental cleaning step for children and the elderly, where the ability to floss and brush correctly may not be adequate. Consult your dentist for mouthwash recommendations, as not all brands are ideal for children.
Avoid Smoking, Alcohol, And Chewing Tobacco
Smoking can be extremely detrimental to your oral hygiene. It can cause tooth loss, oral cancer, tooth discoloration, gum disease, and tartar/plaque accumulation. Plus, it decreases your mouth’s capability to heal. Similar to smoking, drinking alcohol has adverse effects on our oral health. It reduces your saliva production, making your mouth dry. Individuals that consume alcohol have a higher chance of developing oral cancer compared to non-drinkers.
See Your Dentist Twice a Year
Your daily oral hygiene practices are crucial to your general oral health. Nevertheless, even dutiful flossers and brushers need to consult their dentists regularly. At a minimum, you should consult a dentist for checkups and cleanings twice every year. If you reside in BC, you can head to the best dentist in Coquitlam, BC, Coast Dental, for your checkups and cleanings.
Maintaining optimal oral health requires a lifetime of consistent dental care. You should continue to take the right steps daily to take care of your teeth and prevent dental problems.