You may hear people mention ‘good oral hygiene’ or ‘bad oral hygiene’ when referring to teeth and gums and taking care of them, but what does this actually mean in your day to day life?
You might brush your teeth twice a day and think that is sufficient, but in reality, with our modern diets and on-the-go lifestyles, we need to pay much more attention to our daily routine.
This is what dentists recommend when they speak about great oral hygiene. Ignoring it can lead to gum disease and in turn, much more serious health problems.
Brushing at least twice a day
Twice a day for 2 minutes is the minimum, but ideally, aim to brush after every meal. Make sure you brush all sides of each tooth in a circular motion paying close attention to the back molars that are often left out.
Regular Flossing
Use dental floss once a day. The easiest way to remember is to make it part of your nighttime routine after brushing your teeth. This will ensure all the day’s food has been removed from between your teeth. Follow the curve of each tooth to avoid damaging your gums.
Rinse and Spit
Use mouthwash once a day too, after you have brushed and flossed. Swish it around for about 60 seconds and then spit it out. Mouthwash can help prevent or reduce tartar, plaque and gingivitis.
Don’t forget your tongue
There are a few different ways to do this, and it can be added to your daily routine when you brush or floss. You can use a toothbrush and a bit of toothpaste to gently brush your tongue or use floss to gently scrape your tongue before you rinse. Some toothbrushes even have a tongue scraper built in, so make sure you use it.
Sticking to this daily routine will help keep your teeth and gums healthy and your breath fresh.
Following a healthy and balanced diet will also help. Eat a variety of foods to ensure you have all the vitamins and minerals you need. Avoid too many sugary foods and acidic drinks.
Remember that tooth decay starts long before you experience any sensitivity or pain, so it’s important to get regular check-ups. Book an appointment at Hawthorn Road Family Dental Clinic to find out more about good oral hygiene.
