Your smile is one of the first physical features that a person will notice; it is an important part in non-verbal communication. Smiles can show people that you are a welcoming and approachable person, creating a great first impression. However, damaged or stained teeth may discourage a person from smiling. They may feel self-conscious because their smile is ‘flawed’.
In order to maintain that beautiful, white smile, proper oral hygiene practices are necessary. Oral hygiene is also important for a healthy mouth. Your mouth and teeth cannot remain healthy without providing the care it needs.
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Brush Your Teeth
Brushing is the most important part of maintaining a healthy mouth and teeth. It helps remove plaque and tartar that can lead to gum disease, cavities and tooth decay. Brushing is not difficult, but there are important thing to consider about your brushing technique.
You should spend at least 3 minutes brushing your teeth, ensuring it is cleaned properly. Also, up-and-down and circular motions are better than brushing from side-to-side. When brushing, take your time and gently brush your teeth and along the gum line. Brushing wildly or too hard can lead to abrasions of the gum or mouth.
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Floss Regularly
Toothbrushes are unable to clean between teeth well. That’s why it is important to include flossing in your daily mouth cleaning routine. Dental floss is thin enough to fit between the spaces of your teeth, and helps remove food particle and plaque that may remain after brushing.
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Use Mouthwash
Mouthwash is a liquid that is swished inside the mouth or gargled. Although mouthwash is not a necessary part of your daily teeth cleaning routine, it does have its benefits. It helps kill bacterial plaque and fights against bad breath.
Unlike brushing, using mouthwash does not require a long period of time. Ideally, you should use mouthwash for a maximum of 40 seconds. After spitting it out, avoid rinsing with water to gain the benefits offered by mouthwash.
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Eat Smartly
Aside from cleaning your teeth, the food you eat can affect your teeth’s health. There are certain foods that benefit the teeth. Dairy products such as cheese and yoghurt are high in calcium, the major component of teeth and help preserves them. Fruits are a good source of vitamin C, which helps in holding the cells together.
On the other hands, certain food products can have a negative effect. Consuming large amounts of sugar can lead to cavities, acidic drinks, such as soft drinks, can break down the enamel, and coffee cause teeth to stain. Avoid consuming a large amount of these food products, and brush your teeth after consuming these to avoid stains or damage.
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Avoid Tobacco Products
Tobacco has a negative effect on your body, which includes your mouth. Chewing tobacco or smoking cigarettes can cause multiple dental diseases and it is a major risk factor for gum disease and oral cancer. Also, it is widely known that cigarette smoking can lead to unsightly yellow or stained teeth,
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Avoid Unnecessary Pressure
Your teeth are strong enough to break down food into smaller pieces that are easier to swallow, but some foods are tougher than others. Avoid biting down too hard on these to avoid damages, such as a chipped tooth. Additionally, avoid using the teeth for other activities that put unnecessary pressure on your teeth, such as opening bottle caps and tearing tight packages. This can cause cuts and even breakage of the teeth.
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Schedule Regular Dental Visits
While proper oral hygiene starts at home, you should schedule regular check ups with a dentist. A dentist can help you learn good oral hygiene techniques and assist you in keeping a healthy mouth. Additionally, dentists can help you combat dental diseases, and repair stained or damaged teeth.
Oral hygiene is important to your mouth and your smile. These simple yet necessary practices mentioned keep your mouth in good, working condition. Practising good oral hygiene from a young age certainly benefits your mouth’s health. At Teeth Health Life Dental Care, we are dedicated to assisting your oral hygiene in any way we can. For more information on our dental care services, visit our website.