Oral Hygiene 101: Proper Dental Care for a Fresh and Healthy Smile

Have you ever wondered: Why is oral hygiene important? 

Dentists have stressed oral hygiene for a long time. Good oral hygiene is the pillar of a sound immune system. Bad oral hygiene can lead to many bacteria-related diseases and cardiovascular conditions, such as atherosclerosis. 

We all desire a radiant white smile with beautifully shaped, clean, healthy teeth. A good smile goes a long way in forming social connections, especially in the workplace and social gatherings. 

Hence, it is imperative to maintain good oral hygiene. Sustaining good oral hygiene requires work and persistence with recommended dental care practices. Plaque accumulation, cavities, gum disease, poor breath, and other oral health issues can result from neglecting care of teeth and gums. 

This blog will discuss the best oral hygiene practices and how to do away with bad oral hygiene practices. 

Brushing Your Teeth the Right Way 

One of the most crucial aspects of maintaining good oral hygiene is brushing your teeth correctly and frequently. Dentists advise brushing twice daily – once in the morning and once before hitting the bed at night.  

The leading cause of foul breath and other oral problems is not brushing your teeth properly. To maintain optimum oral hygiene, one must hold their toothbrush on their gums at a 45-degree angle when brushing. Make short, gentle strokes vertically and horizontally with the brush.  

Then, clean the front, rear, top and bottom of the teeth. The rear molars, where cavities are most likely to occur, should get more attention.  

It is recommended to brush for at least two minutes to remove plaque and particles properly. Remember to brush your tongue and then gargle properly to oust any toothpaste residues on your tongue. 

When it comes to choosing a toothpaste, go for the ones that your dentist suggests or the ones that contain fluorides. Fluorides are known to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities.  

To maintain good oral hygiene, you must replace your toothbrush every three to four months. It is also recommended to choose toothbrushes with soft bristles.  

Flossing 

Flossing is a vital aspect of oral hygiene. It is a technique to achieve interdental cleaning. Flossing helps you reach the areas and regions of the teeth where a toothbrush cannot. A significant contributor to gum disease and tooth damage is the accumulation of plaque between teeth.   

Daily flossing is necessary to get rid of plaque and food. It is recommended to use dental floss, which is at least 18 inches long, and leave two to three inches between your fingers when wrapping the floss.  

To floss properly, gently massage the floss on the sides of each tooth as you move it between two teeth. Never push or snap the floss since doing so might harm your gums. To remove debris, move the floss up and down multiple times. As you pass between each tooth gap, use a fresh length of floss. 

It is recommended to floss between every tooth—also, floss between your rear teeth. Consider the surrounding regions when flossing around dental procedures such as braces, bridges, or implants. Consult your dentist for advice on how to floss around dental treatment properly. 

It is recommended to floss at least once per day, ideally just before going to bed. Regular flossing can help you maintain cleaner teeth and healthier gums by preventing plaque accumulation in difficult-to-reach places. 

Invest Time in Tongue Cleaning 

The tongue is a vital part of maintaining proper oral hygiene. Even when your teeth are cleaned and flossed, the germs on your tongue can cause foul breath. Tongue cleaning can help eliminate these germs and improve your breath using a tongue scraper or brush.   

To clean your tongue properly, extend your tongue while holding the tongue scraper in one hand. Scrape your tongue forward softly, beginning at the rear. To eliminate built-up debris, lightly swipe the scraper across your tongue. Your entire tongue should be covered. 

Every time you brush your teeth, try also to brush your tongue. Even a brief tongue cleaning in the morning might help freshen your breath if you are short on time. 

Regular tongue cleaning can help reduce the odor caused by bacteria residing in your mouth. It enables taste receptors to completely experience flavors and could even guard against germs that cause cavities and gum disease. 

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Some Additional Oral Hygiene Tips 

Brushing, flossing, and tongue cleaning are good oral hygiene habits. However, for maintaining good oral hygiene, some additional care must also be taken, such as: 

• Replacing your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. 
• Using antimicrobial mouthwash. This will help reduce bacteria and freshen up your breath.  

• Visiting a dentist every 6 months for check-ups. 
• Restricting the intake of acidic and sugary food items. 

End Note 

Good health is incomplete without proper oral hygiene. Our mouths are our way to intake food, water, and medicine. They are the first stop of digestion. If the beginning of a journey is not good, the end result will also not be good. Hence, it is mandatory to maintain good oral hygiene.