Are you guilty of skipping your oral hygiene routine on some days? If so, you’re not alone – but that doesn’t mean you should skip it altogether. In fact, practicing good oral hygiene at home is one of the most important things you can do for your teeth and gums.
Not only does practicing good oral hygiene help keep your teeth healthy and looking good, but it can also prevent more serious problems from developing down the road.
Fortunately, practicing good oral hygiene at home is relatively easy and doesn’t require any special equipment or products. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Best ways to practice good oral hygiene at home
- Brush regularly and correctly
The most important part of practicing good oral hygiene at home is brushing your teeth regularly and correctly. Dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time.
Be sure to use a toothbrush that’s appropriate for your age and stage of development, and use toothpaste that contains fluoride.
When brushing, make sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the front, back, and sides. Use gentle circular motions and be sure not to brush too hard – this can damage your gums.
- Floss daily
In addition to brushing your teeth, you should also floss at least once a day. Flossing helps remove food and plaque lodged in places that your toothbrush can’t reach.
To floss correctly, wind the floss around your middle fingers and hold it tightly between your thumbs and index fingers. Gently slide the floss up and down between your teeth, being careful not to snap it into place. When you reach the gum line, curve the floss around each tooth and gently rub up and down
- Ensure proper fluoride intake
Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel making it more resistant to decay. It can be found in many foods and drinks and in fluoride toothpaste and mouthwashes.
If you live in an area with fluoridated water, you’re already getting the recommended amount of fluoride. If not, talk to your dentist about other ways to ensure you’re getting enough.
- Avoid tobacco products and use mouthwash often
Tobacco products are one of the worst things you can do for your oral hygiene. Not only do they increase your risk of developing gum disease and cancer, but they also cause bad breath and stained teeth. If you smoke or use tobacco products, quitting is the best thing you can do for your oral health.
In addition to avoiding tobacco products, it’s also important to use mouthwash often. Mouthwash helps kill bacteria and remove plaque and food particles from your teeth and gums. Moreover, it can also help prevent bad breath, which is one of the downsides of using tobacco products.
- Limit intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks
Another important part of practicing good oral hygiene is avoiding sugary drinks and food. Sugar can cause plaque to form on your teeth, which can lead to cavities. It’s also important to avoid drinking too many acidic drinks, such as soda, coffee, and tea. These can also damage your teeth and lead to problems like tooth erosion.
If you consume sugary drinks or food, ensure you brush your teeth soon afterward. You can also rinse your mouth with water to help remove any sugar left behind.
Additionally, try to substitute water for sugary drinks. Water not only helps your body stay hydrated, but it helps in saliva production, which is crucial for maintaining proper oral hygiene
Extra tip: The best oral hygiene routine should involve brushing your teeth and flossing after brushing to remove any food particles and plaque build-up. Then using mouthwash to rinse your mouth, capping off the perfect oral hygiene routine for the day.
Conclusion
Visiting the dentist regularly is one of the best ways to practice good oral hygiene at home. For instance, an experienced dentist can help you identify any problems early on and provide recommendations for how to address them.