Our adult teeth should be with us for an entire lifetime, so it is important that we look after them properly to keep them in the best possible condition. Many people believe that brushing their teeth twice a day is enough, and although that is very important, there are plenty of other things you should also be doing. Here are 10 simple things you can do to maintain good oral hygiene!
1. Brush Twice A Day
It is widely recommended that you brush your teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed. Bacteria can build up in the mouth during the day as a result of everything we consume, yet when you are asleep bacteria continues to reproduce. Therefore, brushing in the morning and evening is what you should be doing at a minimum.
2. Use Mouthwash
Although brushing your teeth does kill bacteria in your mouth, it is unlikely to reach every part of the mouth. So, mouthwash should be used after brushing your teeth to make sure any damaging bacteria in and around the mouth, teeth, gums and tongue can be killed. Mouthwash can also be helpful in helping bad breath as it is killing the bacteria.
This should never be used as an alternative to brushing your teeth, but instead should be seen as an addition essential in your oral hygiene routine. Remember, try your best not to consume any of the mouthwash. Simply swill around the mouth and gargle for around 30 seconds.
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3. Floss
Flossing is another thing you should do to maintain good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth or using mouthwash won’t enable you to get between your teeth to remove plaque or build up of food. Floss gently between each tooth once a day to make sure you don’t harm your gums.
If you struggle to floss due to a health condition such as arthritis, you can buy flossing tools with a small handle which will make it much easier.
4. Use Toothpaste Containing Fluoride
Rather than seeking a whitening effect, the first thing you should look for when buying toothpaste is whether it contains fluoride. Fluoride can help to remineralize enamel to prevent cavities and other severe dental issues.
Once you know if a toothpaste contains fluoride, any of the other features, such as whitening, will be a bonus. Having a toothpaste with a whitening effect won’t be very useful if your teeth aren’t healthy in the first place.
5. Avoid Sugary Foods and Drinks
Sugary foods and drinks are one of the leading causes of tooth decay. When you eat or drink something sugary, the bacteria in your mouth breaks it down which produces acid. This acid then decays the teeth and over time, this can have a really dangerous effect.
So, to protect your teeth, after eating or drinking something sugary, brush your teeth an hour later. Your teeth will be vulnerable straight after consumption and at their weakest, so leaving it a while before brushing gives your teeth the best chance of remaining healthy. In order to avoid contact with sugar as much as possible, drink sugary drinks through a straw.
6. Don’t Forget Your Tongue
One of the biggest causes of odour in the mouth is the buildup of bacteria on the tongue which is odour-causing. Not only is this unpleasant but when left untreated it can actually cause gum disease and other illnesses.
So, when you’re brushing your teeth in the morning and the evening, give your tongue a quick brush for around 30 seconds. If you’re using mouthwash, this will also help to kill any unwanted bacteria.
7. Drink Lots of Water
Drinking water throughout the day is great for rinsing off any food or drink residue from your teeth. Although it is not as effective as brushing your teeth, it can help to protect them during the day until you are able to brush in the evening.
General guidance is that you should drink 6-8 glasses of liquid a day to stay healthy, which you should aim to be water. This will also be great for your teeth, so try to make it a habit to drink a glass of water after each meal. Try to avoid tea and coffee as much as possible as they can be terrible for staining.
8. Strengthen Jaw With Crunchy Fruit and Veg
Eating crunchy foods like carrot sticks, apples, peppers and celery are great for your oral health. Eating raw fruits and vegetables from a young age can help to strengthen the jaw and the crunching motion can also help to clear away unwanted plaque or bacteria. Luckily, they’re also really good for you, so they make the perfect snack.
9. Don’t Ignore Sensitivity
Teeth sensitivity occurs when there isn’t enough enamel on the teeth so the roots are exposed. Some people experience pain or discomfort with sensitivity, so it is always important to mention any sensitivity to your dentist.
Whilst in some cases it might not be anything serious, it can be a sign of larger problems like gum disease. Tell your dentist at the start of your next appointment so they can look out for anything concerning.
10. Visit Your Dentist Twice A Year
Finally, it is important that you visit your dentist twice a year. Compared to the rest of our bodies, dental health is something that can be overlooked. Yet, ignoring it can have serious implications. Even if you aren’t feeling any pain, there may be something wrong that you won’t notice without visiting your dentist Altrincham based or somewhere local to you.
Final Thoughts
Although you might think your teeth are healthy, it is really important to think ahead and make sure you are looking after them. In your 20’s or 30’s it might be easy to think that losing your teeth isn’t a concern now, yet implementing a few simple things into your routine could be the difference between you keeping your teeth for a lifetime or having to have them replaced.
