Dental hygiene is vital to our well-being, yet it can often be forgotten as life gets busier, such as during back-to-school season or returning to work. Maintaining routines and ensuring our mouths are healthy before problems arise is essential.
This blog discusses some essential tips which you can incorporate into your daily dental care routine to help you maintain excellent oral health.
1. Brush twice a day for 2 minutes
Did you know that one in four adults don’t brush their teeth twice a day?
Brushing your teeth for 2 minutes twice a day can effectively remove plaque, reducing your chances of long-term dental hygiene issues such as tooth decay and gum disease (also known as periodontal disease). Plaque is build up from leftover food particles and saliva, and the best way to remove this is to practice good dental hygiene, including brushing your teeth for 2 minutes.
For best results, use fluoride toothpaste with an electric toothbrush before your first meal of the day and before you go to bed. For information about choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste, read our blog on the best dental products you should be using at home.
2. Floss before brushing
Using dental floss or interdental brushes is a vital part of any oral hygiene routine, and with one in three adults never having flossed before, it’s essential you know the benefits and include it within your dental hygiene routine.
The purpose of flossing is to dislodge debris and loosen bacteria, stopping plaque from forming. Research has shown that flossing before brushing makes brushing more effective at removing plaque. Routinely flossing can improve your overall mouth health by reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
3. Regular dental appointments
Visiting the dentist regularly for a check-up or cleaning appointment ensures that problems like cavities or plaque build-ups can be addressed promptly before they become long-term issues.
The time between dentist appointments can depend on your dental health. If you have a high risk of oral diseases, it is recommended that you visit the dentist every 3 to 6 months. This can help you catch and get treatment for dental issues, which could cause long-term health issues. However, if you have a low risk of oral diseases, it is recommended that you visit the dentist at least once a year.
At Forward Dental Care, we understand that dentist appointments can be hard on people’s pockets, which is why we’ve introduced our membership scheme to help spread the cost of dental exams and hygiene appointments throughout the year. Learn more about the scheme today.
4. Be careful with what you eat
While you can still have a sugary treat, ensuring you are mindful of how much sugar you’re having in your diet is essential to healthy dental hygiene. Sugar converts into acid in the mouth, which is bad for your enamel, the protective layer on your teeth. The acid wears down the enamel, leading to tooth sensitivity, decay and cavities.
Other foods, including those with high fibre, can benefit your dental hygiene. Fibre helps to keep your teeth and gums clean by gently scraping away plaque and buffing the tooth surface.
Crunchy foods such as carrots and nuts not only help your jaw, but they also help scrape off plaque and tartar, benefiting your dental and overall health.
For more advice about how to ensure your diet can benefit your dental health, talk to your dentist at your next appointment.
5. Brush your tongue
When brushing your teeth, spare a moment for your tongue. Plaque can also build up on your tongue, making it appear white and give you bad breath. The white appearance is primarily due to the build-up of bacteria and remnants of our food; gently brushing your tongue is the best way to clean it.
Whilst a white tongue is usually harmless, it could indicate further health conditions. If it doesn’t revert to its standard colour after brushing regularly, seek professional medical help.
If you need guidance or advice about how you can maintain better dental hygiene, get in touch with our team to book an appointment with our dental professionals.
