Good oral hygiene is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. While regular visits to the dentist are crucial in detecting and preventing dental problems, daily care at home is also essential. In this article, we will focus on the must-do’s and must-don’t’s for maintaining good oral hygiene.
Must-Do’s:
Brushing:
- Use a toothbrush with soft or super-soft bristles and a triangular head to easily clean the back teeth.
- Change your brush every 3-4 months or sooner if the bristles start to wear out or if you’ve recently been sick.
- Apply gentle pressure while brushing to avoid abrasion of the teeth. Use a jiggling motion to cover 2-3 teeth at a time, brushing the outer and inner surfaces of upper and lower teeth. Make sure to also thoroughly brush the chewing surfaces of each tooth and use circular strokes to clean the inside surfaces of front teeth.
- It is recommended to brush at least twice a day, especially before going to bed at night.
- Use a fluoride toothpaste while brushing. Fluoride is a mineral that helps to strengthen the tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay.
Flossing/Interdental cleaning:
- Use floss or an interdental brush if there is a gap between your teeth.
- Use 12-18 inches of floss thread, slipping it between teeth and gums and making 8-10 up and down strokes on each tooth.
- Floss at least once a day, preferably before bed.
- Interdental cleaning is the process of removing plaque and food particles from between the teeth where the toothbrush bristles can’t reach. It is important to use interdental cleaning tools to prevent tooth decay and gum diseases.
Tongue cleaning:
- Incorporate tongue cleaning into your daily routine using a cleaner or brush to remove any whitish/yellowish coating on the tongue.
- The tongue is a breeding ground for bacteria, so it is important to remove any buildup of bacteria to maintain fresh breath and a healthy mouth.
- Rinsing after every meal:
Rinse your mouth with water after every meal to remove food particles and plaque.
Use an antiseptic mouthwash at least once a day to kill germs and freshen breath.
Must-Don’t’s:
- Don’t apply excessive pressure while brushing or flossing.
- Don’t neglect daily cleaning of the tongue.
- Don’t forget to rinse after every meal.
- Don’t use tobacco products.
- Don’t forget to visit your dentist regularly.
By following these simple steps and regularly visiting the dentist, you can achieve and maintain good oral hygiene. Remember, prevention is key, and by taking care of your teeth and gums daily, you can avoid serious problems down the road.
As a dentist, it is my job to help guide and educate my patients on the best practices for oral care. It’s important to know that oral hygiene is not only about keeping your teeth clean but also maintaining the health of your gums and tongue. Maintaining good oral hygiene is a lifetime commitment, and with regular check-ups and daily care, you can ensure a healthy and beautiful smile.
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