Brush properly using effective techniques
Dentists often detect that many patients are not cleaning their teeth effectively, plaque to accumulate over a period of time. The teeth at the back of the mouth are the most commonly neglected site.
Brushing towards the gum line will help you to clean efficiently. Specifically, your brush should be pointed at a 45-degree angle to remove the bacteria that clings onto the teeth.
When brushing, it should be done gently in a circular motion, for 2 minutes. This can become a habit when you make it more fun! Play your favorite songs and enjoy while focusing on your health at the same time.
Brushing your mouth properly not only boosts your oral health, but also prevents bad breath, also known as ‘halitosis.’ You can feel fresh every day following these proper brushing techniques.
Don’t forget to brush before going to bed
It’s essential to remember to brush your teeth before you go to sleep. We all have had times where we get lazy and tired, forgetting to brush before going to bed.
This greatly impacts your oral health as brushing at night removes all the dirt that has built up during the whole day.
If you continue to ignore brushing at night, you have higher chances of the stubborn plaque turning into tartar. Tartar is the buildup of plaque which hardens onto the enamel of the tooth. This would have to then be removed by a professional dentist or dental hygienist.
Remember, following simple dental steps on a daily basis will help ensure your oral health stays on the right track and prevents any health risks.
Don’t skip flossing
Many people don’t involve flossing in their dental routine, yet this is a very important step to clean teeth!
You should floss in the direction that follows the letter C between every tooth. You can reach out to a dental hygienist for guidance on learning the best techniques for flossing effectively.
There are also alternatives to look at if you find flossing difficult such as interdental brushes, water flossing or dental picks. Your dentist or hygienist can advise you in finding which one of these is suitable for your mouth and your dental routine.
When you get into the habit of flossing, you will surely see a difference! Flossing significantly helps in gaining healthier gums. It helps clean the areas which are difficult for a toothbrush to reach between the teeth.
Choose the right toothbrush
Not only is the way of brushing important, but the type of toothbrush you use also plays a crucial role in your oral health. Electric toothbrushes in general are proven to be more effective at removal of plaque and keeping the teeth clean.
It is also important to use a medium or soft-bristle toothbrush with multi-layer bristles, making sure the teeth and gums are cleaned effectively and preventing any harm on the teeth.
People sometimes choose a hard-bristle toothbrush thinking it cleans better, however this negatively affects the enamel and gums by applying too much pressure. One consequences of hard brushing is recession of the gum, which consequently brings sensitivity to the teeth.
Furthermore, you should change your toothbrush or toothbrush head every 3-4 months. This keeps your toothbrush effective with the bristles kept in good condition and fresh.
Use a mouthwash to easily boost your dental hygiene
There are different kinds of mouthwash which a dentist can also prescribe to you to help in your daily dental care routine.
These include:
- Antiplaque mouthwash: this helps reduce tooth decay and control the progression of gum disease.
- Fluoride mouthwash: Fluoride mouthwash is prescribed to aid in preventing cavities.
- Antibacterial mouthwash: Specifically, this is used to kill or mitigate bacteria
Additionally, adding mouthwash into your dental routine is a great way to easily prevent plaque staying for a prolonged period of time on the enamel. However, make sure you first consult with a dentist to find the best recommendation for your specific dental case.
If it’s been long since a proper dental routine, start new with a dental cleaning
Sometimes, it’s easier to start fresh and visiting a dental hygienist is the best way. They will guide you on how you can focus on your oral health and improve your dental routine easily.
When you leave plaque on the enamel for a long time, it becomes tartar which is much more difficult to remove. In this case, it’s best to meet with a hygienist to professionally get it removed.
It’s also a way to brighten your smile! With a dental cleaning and polish, the hygienist uses tools to remove plaque and stains that have built up.
The treatments by a professional dental hygienist will quickly bring you on the path of a healthier mouth, preventing disease.
Have regular checkups with a dentist
There is a strong connection between oral health and overall health. Maintaining clean teeth helps not only in avoiding the risk of gum disease, but also other systemic diseases such as cardiac problems and diabetes.
A dentist can diagnose your dentition and detect problems early. This will help ensure that your teeth and your overall oral health is looked after, in turn helping keep the rest of your body healthy.
At Clinic Effect, you will find globally renowned dentistswho are committed to finding the best solutions to your dental needs and will guide you step by step throughout your personalised dental journey.
References:
- ADA