Oral hygiene is critical for keeping one’s teeth and gums healthy. It involves habits like brushing twice a day and seeing the dentist regularly.
Oral health, on the other hand, encompasses more than just cavities and gum disease. There is a relationship between a person’s dental health and overall health, according to studies. Dental health issues, according to experts, are a global health burden.
Proper individual dental care, both at home and at the dentist’s, can help people avoid these issues. The following are some of the best methods for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
Brushing Properly
Brushing your teeth twice every day is one of the essential activities to eliminate plaque and bacteria and keep your teeth clean. But brushing can only be beneficial if individuals apply the proper technique.
Brushing should be done in small circular strokes, making sure to brush each tooth’s front, rear, and top. This should take about two minutes, and people should limit back-and-forth sawing motions.
Brushing too aggressively or with a hard-bristled toothbrush can damage tooth enamel and gums. This can result in dental pain, irreparable damage to the protective covering of the teeth, and gum erosion.
Flossing
Flossing removes buildup and bacteria from between teeth that a toothbrush cannot. It can also help to avoid bad breath by eliminating debris and food stuck between the teeth.
Most dentists recommend carefully pushing the floss right down to the gumline before circling the tooth with up-and-down motions. It is crucial to avoid jerking the floss back and forth between the teeth, which can cause pain and reduces the effectiveness of plaque removal.
Regular Dentist Visits
Experts suggest that patients visit a dentist for a checkup every six months, and a dentist will clean the teeth and remove buildup and hardened tartar during a routine dental checkup. Adults who practice proper dental hygiene every day are at minimal risk of oral health problems. On the other hand, they may be able to go less regularly.
The dentist will examine you for visible symptoms of cavities, gum problems, mouth cancer, and other oral health problems. They may also use dental X-rays to look for cavities.
People should discuss with their dentist how frequently they should get a checkup. The response will differ based on a person’s medical history, age, and general oral health.
Consider Using A Mouthwash
According to some research, mouthwashes can improve dental health. For example, one study discovered that mouthwash containing the antibacterial component “chlorhexidine” aids in managing plaque and gingivitis. A meta-analysis found that mouthwashes containing certain essential oils are also beneficial.
People should consult with their dentist about which mouthwash is appropriate for their specific needs. Mouthwash cannot replace brushing and flossing, but it can help to supplement these routines.
Beauty Smile Orthodontics specializes in braces for adults and children, alike. If you are interested in seeing how we can help you to achieve a happy and healthy smile, contact us today.