Everyone dreams of having a fantastic smile, which can only be achieved with good dental hygiene practices! Individuals with poor dental hygiene can suffer the risk of oral and even medical issues in the future, including gum infection and diseases, strokes, heart disease, bone loss etc. Routine cleanings and check-ups from your hygienist near me can however alleviate the emergence of these conditions, in addition to providing you with excellent oral hygiene.
Below we will be discussing a list of 10 great oral hygiene tips to keep in mind to experience remarkable dental hygiene.
- Adequate Brushing
This is one of the simplest steps to observe if you want to keep a clean and healthy set of teeth. When brushing your teeth, let the bristles be positioned at 45 degrees angle near your gum line. Both the tooth surface and the gum line should be in contact with the bristles. Employing an up-and-down, back-and-forth motion, brush your teeth surfaces and make sure you are gentle enough with the process to avoid bleeding. To brush the inside surfaces of the gum and teeth, position the bristles at an angle of 45 degrees again and repeat the up-and-down, back-and-forth motion. Finally, clean the roof of the mouth, and your tongue surfaces to eliminate bacteria and harmful microorganisms, resulting in bad breath.
It is recommended to brush the teeth at least twice every day to avoid acid accumulation from the breakdown of edibles by bacteria. However, we understand that some people – due to work or certain activities – might not observe this. In that case, make sure you rinse your mouth with water thoroughly after a meal, as that would reduce the number of food bits that the bacteria would disintegrate.
- Flossing
Yes, flossing seems like a chore, and often you probably forget to floss after brushing your teeth – heading straight to bed. Regardless, it’s a dental fact that flossing can help you clean out detrimental substances, especially food bits that brushing typically can not. By flossing, you can now reach deep between the teeth where neither the bristles of a toothbrush nor even mouthwash can reach. It is recommended to floss at least once every day.
- Stay away from tobacco
This is one of the biggest favors you can do to your teeth. For starters, it will save you from periodontal complications and oral cancer. Secondly, it will save you from the numerous harmful effects caused by the substances used to cover the tobacco smell. For instance, someone who smokes cigarettes may want to use coffee, tea, or candies to cover the smoky odor and breath. These will only increase the level of damage caused to the teeth and gums.
- Reduce your intake of alcohol, coffee and sodas
These beverages indeed have a significant quantity of phosphorus, an essential mineral for a healthy mouth; however, excess amounts of phosphorus can deplete the body’s calcium level. This results in oral hygiene issues such as gum disease and tooth decay. Beverages with additives like food dye and corn syrup can cause shiny white teeth to become discolored and dull. Hence, it is advisable to take beverages such as milk, which helps develop stronger enamel and strengthen the teeth, leaving you with a fine and healthy smile. Water is also better because it hydrates the body longer than sweet beverages.
- Take calcium and other essential minerals and vitamins that are beneficial to the body
High levels of calcium are essential for the teeth. It is also necessary to build healthy bones. We advise you to drink orange juice, milk and consume cheese, broccoli, yogurt, and other dairy foods. It is also okay to use a calcium supplement, using various doses according to your needs, age, and of course, prescription. Vitamin D and Calcium are essential in keeping the health of teeth and gums. Vitamin B complex is also necessary to protect your teeth and gums from bleeding and cracking. Potassium, iron, iodine, zinc, and copper are also essential for maintaining excellent oral hygiene.
- Visit your orthodontist
It is recommended to visit your dental care provider a minimum of twice annually if you want a complete hygiene procedure performed. During these dental appointments, the dentist will carry out a comprehensive test with x-rays to diagnose and prevent future orthodontic problems from manifesting.
- Use mouthwash in addition to flossing and brushing
Mouthwash is not compulsory, and not all mouthwashes are effective. But mouthwashes that contain chlorine dioxide or Listerine are very useful because they assist in killing and maintaining the bacteria in the mouth. A good mouthwash will help you maintain fresh breath and also help keep a strong set of teeth. Do not rely on only mouthwash to do all the work. In the real sense, it is just the cherry on top for those who are already eating right, visiting the dentist, brushing, and flossing to make their oral health fabulous.
- Noticing any signs of a dental problem?
It is important to schedule an appointment immediately you notice any symptoms of tooth and jaw pain. This will help your dental hygienist near me to detect the underlying issue and treat it before it metamorphoses into a bigger problem.
- Understand the hidden essence of oral hygiene
Everyone knows that taking good care of the teeth prevents cavities, enhances your smile, and reduces the cost of dental bills. However, most people do not know how indispensable oral hygiene is to our overall body health. Tooth problems can result in systemic infections, heart disease, diabetes, an inability to speak or eat properly, and other complications – some extremely lethal. Crowded or crooked teeth can lead to gum disease, which may eventually contribute to tooth loss. You see now that having straight teeth is no longer for aesthetic purposes alone.
- Don’t forget to clean your tongue
Be sure to clean the surface of your tongue every day. With a professional tongue cleaner, you get to remove hundreds of bacteria that otherwise dwell, especially on the tongue’s top surface. They can result in halitosis (bad breath) and cause several other detrimental effects on your oral health.
Call us at Dental Hygienist London today to book a quality dental appointment for you and your loved ones.