Oral hygiene is vital to an individual’s overall health and well-being. Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping your teeth free from decay and your mouth free from infection. If you protect your oral health with good oral hygiene practices (brushing and flossing), the odds are in your favor you can keep your teeth for a lifetime.
Here are some essential oral hygiene tips to keep your smile healthy:
TEETH BRUSHING
- Choose the Right Toothbrush: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging your gums unless otherwise recommended by your dentist.
- Use the Right Technique: Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. Use gentle strokes. Ask your dentist about the best technique for your teeth.
- Brush for Two Minutes: Time yourself to ensure you’re brushing for a full two minutes. You can use a timer or a song to keep track.
- Use Fluoride Toothpaste: Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and fight cavities.
- Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly: Change it every 3-4 months or sooner if the bristles are frayed or if you get a viral infection.
- Brush twice a day: It is as important to brush in the night as in the morning.
FLOSSING
- Choose the Right Floss: There are various types of floss (waxed-unwaxed). Choose one that feels comfortable for you or is recommended by your dentist.
- Use Enough Floss: Cut about 18 inches of floss. This gives you enough length to wrap around your fingers and use a clean section for each tooth.
- Be Gentle: Gently slide the floss between your teeth. Avoid snapping it into your gums, which can cause bleeding and irritation.
- Use a New Section: As you move from tooth to tooth, unspool a fresh section of floss to avoid transferring plaque or bacteria.
- Floss Before Brushing: Some people find it more effective to floss before brushing, as this can help remove food particles and plaque, making brushing more effective.
- Floss every night.
TONGUE CLEANING
Clean your tongue morning and night to avoid any secondary infection and bad breath issues.
ROUTINE DENTAL CHECKUP AND PROFESSIONAL TEETH CLEANING
- Routine dental checkups and professional teeth cleanings are essential for maintaining oral health. Dental checkups every six months, though some may need to visit more frequently based on individual needs.
- Professional Teeth Cleaning also known as dental scaling and polishing helps to remove plaque and tartar that regular brushing and flossing may miss, helping to prevent cavities and gum disease.
- In some cases, a fluoride treatment may be applied to strengthen tooth enamel and help prevent cavities.
By incorporating these tips into your routine, you’ll enhance your oral hygiene and keep your gums and teeth healthier. For professional teeth cleaning and polishing schedule an appointment with us today at Precious 32 Dental which has been awarded the BEST NEW DENTAL CLINIC 2023.
IF YOU WANT TO SAVE YOUR TEETH BRUSH TWICE A DAY AND FLOSS EVERY NIGHT!