One of the best assets that you can wear is your smile. That is why taking care of your teeth and gums while you are still young is essential. Healthy teeth and gums make it easy for you to eat well and enjoy delicious food. Some problems can affect the health of your mouth, but you need to be careful enough to keep your teeth and gums strong as you age.
Good oral hygiene is necessary to keep your teeth and gums healthy. This includes habits such as brushing your teeth twice a day and regular dental examinations. Not only can you brush your teeth, but you can also improve oral hygiene. Here are some ways to enhance your oral care routine to get the freshest and healthiest smile you've ever had.
1. Brush your teeth at least twice a day
Brushing your teeth is the most basic oral care tip that you must follow to keep your teeth and gums healthy. It is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day to prevent gum disease. Refusing to brush your teeth for a few days can lead to periodontal disease. Brushing ensures the removal of plaque, the main cause of tooth decay and periodontal disease. It also prevents the accumulation of plaque.
Tip: Dental hygienists actually recommend brushing your teeth before breakfast, not after breakfast. Fluoride in toothpaste protects your teeth from the acids and sugars you might have when you brush them and can rub them into your teeth.
2. Floss your teeth daily
Dental floss helps remove bacteria, plaque, and food debris from between the teeth, reducing the chance of tooth decay and periodontal disease. In addition to regular brushing and dental floss, be sure to schedule regular tooth cleaning at least twice a year.
Most dentists recommend gently moving the dental floss to the gum line before making a vertical movement around the sides of the tooth. It is best to avoid snapping the dental floss up and down between the teeth -- this can cause pain making it ineffective in removing plaque.
3. Brush your tongue
Your tongue is covered with bacteria. The presence of bacteria on the tongue can cause bad breath and bad breath. Brushing your teeth regularly can get rid of such harmful bacteria. Brushing your tongue can prevent potential problems of the oral cavity such as tooth decay and gum diseases. To properly execute this, start from the back of your tongue, brush to the front, and then go all the way back again. Repeat this a few times.
4. Consider using mouthwash
Some studies have shown that certain mouthwashes may promote oral health. For example, one review found that mouthwashes containing the antibacterial ingredient chlorhexidine help control plaque and gum inflammation. According to a meta-analysis, mouthwashes with certain essential oils are also effective. Most mouthwash products recommend that you use them twice per day, after brushing and flossing.
Tip: Mouthwash is important to maintain healthy teeth and gums. However, mouthwash should not be a substitute to brushing.
5. Avoid smoking
Smokers are at increased risk of oral (mouth) cancer, gum problems, tooth loss, tooth decay, and tooth extraction, and postoperative complications of the gums and mouth. Quit smoking reduces the risk of developing periodontal disease and oral cancer, and improves a person's response to gum treatment. It is very important for smokers to visit the dentist on a regular basis to keep their teeth and gums healthy and to check for signs of oral cancer.
6. Limit food with high starch and sugar content
When you drink or eat starchy or sugary foods, you don't just eat yourself. It also nourishes bacteria that can cause tooth decay and periodontal disease. Plaque is a thin, invisible, sticky film of bacteria and other substances. It covers all surfaces of all your teeth. Research continues to emphasize the important role sugar plays in the negative effects on dental health. Common causes are sweets and desserts, but many processed foods also contain sugar.
Experts have also discovered that starchy foods such as crackers, bread, chips and pasta can cause tooth decay. The ADA explains that these foods remain in the mouth and are broken down into monosaccharides that are eaten by acid-producing bacteria. This acid can cause tooth decay.
7. See your dentist at least once a year
Regardless of how you feel about your overall oral health, it's important to see your dentist on a regular basis. A reasonable goal is to visit the dentist at least once a year for an oral hygiene test.
Good dental treatment from childhood to adulthood helps people keep their teeth and gums healthy. Daily brushing and dental floss, quitting smoking, a healthy diet, and regular dental examinations can help avoid tooth decay, periodontal disease, and other dental problems. It can also benefit your overall health.
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