Here’s How To Develop A Healthy Oral Hygiene
You know how we all learn at such a young age that oral hygiene is very important, well, it turns out to be true. No, but really, oral hygiene is the practice of keeping the mouth clean, and the best means of prevention of so many disorders, most importantly, bad breath a.k.a halitosis.
Oral hygiene is necessary for all people to maintain healthy teeth and mouth. To make sure you have healthy teeth and a healthy mouth, you have to take care of your oral hygiene both personally and professionally. Part of the professional examinations include procedures of dental X-rays. We often take oral hygiene for granted, but it really does affect every aspect of our lives, as a healthy mouth means a healthy body. It really is a window that can oftentimes show signs of nutritional deficiencies or general infection. More often than not, diseases that tend to affect the entire body, first appear as mouth lesions or other oral problems.
It doesn’t really matter if you are 8 or 80 years old, your oral health is important. And to make sure you keep your oral hygiene in check, there are numerous ways to take care of that.
Brush your teeth
Most dentists believe that you should brush your teeth at least twice a day, once in the morning, and once in the evening. And guess what? They are probably right! Your dentist is your biggest mouth ally, so you don’t want to go against someone who was your best interest at his gloved hands. However, when you brush, make sure you don’t rush. Really take the time to do a thorough job.
Types of equipment
Choose what really fits your mouth comfortably, toothpaste and toothbrush wise. Go for a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. If you really want to do it right, then why not go all the way and get you an electric or battery-operated toothbrush, you know these are best to reduce plaque and a mild form of gum disease. Plus, if you have arthritis or other problems, these devices can come quite in handy.
Equipment maintenance
Ah, no! I always rinse my toothbrush with water before I apply the paste to it, and before brushing my teeth. Turns out, the toothbrush should be rinsed with water after brushing. After you’re done brushing your teeth, store the toothbrush in an upright position so that it can air-dry until next usage. In case you’re living alone, woo-hoo, you’re good, but if that is not the case, then you want to keep your toothbrush separate from other toothbrushes, not because you are a clean freak, but just so it will prevent cross-contamination. Oh, and don’t store toothbrushes in closed containers, bacteria love those places.
Technique
I know there is too much information, like, brush your teeth two times a day, go for this fancy name toothpaste, and stuff, but really, in the end, it comes down to how you are brushing your teeth. You should hold the toothbrush at a slight angle, aiming for the bristles to reach the area where your tooth meets the gum, and gently brush with short back and forth motions.
Know when to replace your toothbrush
A lot of people replace their toothbrush when the bristles in it become irregular or frayed. You really shouldn’t wait for either of that to happen. Invest in a new toothbrush, or if you’re using an electric or battery-operated toothbrush, make sure you change it every three to four months.
Tips
However, there are other things apart from daily brushing and flossing that you should do to maintain a healthy oral routine. Don’t. Use. Toothpicks. That stuff could only injure your gums and even let in bacteria. Plus, you would want to invest in a mouthwash that contains fluoride. Better safe than sorry.
Even if you brush and floss daily, you still need to see the dentist, you know, for regular dental cleanings and check-ups. However, apart from your regular meetings at the dentist, you should contact your dentist if you experience any of the following symptoms that may indicate oral health problems:
– Red, tender or swollen gums
– Bleeding gums when you brush or floss
– Gums that begin pulling away from your teeth
– Loose permanent teeth
– Top and bottom teeth alignment changes
– Sensitivity to hot and cold
– Persistent bad breath
– Difficulty swallowing
– Mouth ulcers or sores that don’t heal
It’s important to develop a routine check-up at your dentist so that you can remove plaque that may form, even if you are carefully brushing and flossing your teeth, especially since your dentist could reach for areas that you wouldn’t at the comfort of your own home. Dentists use special techniques and instruments to make sure you keep healthy oral hygiene. In addition, professional dentists will not only examine your teeth but also your mouth.
So, since we’re here, when was the last time you were at the dentist? Let us know in the comments below.
Disclaimer: The contents of this article: text, graphics, images, and other materials contained are strictly for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment. Please always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with all the questions that you have related to, or about, a medical condition.
You might also want to read: