Who doesn’t want a beautiful smile? It not only adds to one’s charisma but is also a sign of health and fitness. Teeth play an important role in a person’s smile which means that healthy teeth and gums can make or break the possibility of having a beautiful smile. Dental care is thus not only important to maintain physical health, it can also become a source of good social relationships.
Prevention is better than cure – it applies to your oral hygiene as well. While your dentist may be able to treat the various problems that befall your teeth and gums, your daily hygiene habits play a huge role in ensuring your teeth stay healthy and intact as you age. Read on to see what you should-and shouldn’t-do to secure the future of your smile-and avoid oral complications in the process:
Table of Contents
1- The Basics
Brush once when you wake up and once right before going to bed. Make sure to move the brush in small circular motions, keeping it at a 45-degree angle to the teeth for maximum coverage. Where a brush can’t go i.e. between the teeth, use dental floss: at least once a day to prevent plaque buildup, which can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Thus, flossing and brushing is very important for a nice smile.
2- The Toothbrush Matters
Opt for brushes with small to medium sized heads and rounded, nylon bristles, to ensure the brush covers the entire perimeter of your mouth-including the back parts. Replace your brush every 3 months, or sooner if the bristles are splayed or bent, as they don’t clean properly.
As far as the question of manual or powered toothbrushes is concerned, numerous scientific studies have been conducted to find out which one is more effective in preventing gum diseases and preserving healthy teeth. A review of nearly 30 studies comparing disposable and electric toothbrushes found that, overall, there was not a significant difference in their ability to remove plaque and prevent gum disease.
3- Be Gentle and Don’t Overdo It
Brushing too hard and more than the recommended twice a day will only serve to worsen any oral conditions. It can also lead to gum recession, exposing the roots unprotected by enamel, and making them prone to wear and tear. For those accustomed to frequent brushing, try chewing on hard vegetables or sugar free gum to achieve the necessary cleaning action.
4- Don’t Brush After Meals
This might seem counter-intuitive as many people have this urge to brusth their teeth especially after they have eaten meaty products. Brushing your teeth straight after a meal is however not a very good idea.
The reason is that the acid level in the mouth increases after meals, softening the enamel by dissolving it’s calcium via a process called de-mineralisation, making it easier to accidentally brush the enamel away. So, you actually risk yellowing your teeth, if you brush your teeth right after a meal.
You should thus wait 30-60 minutes after a meal to allow the saliva to naturally neutralise the oral environment and restore the enamel to its hard, pre-meal state.
5- Scrape Your Tongue
Use the back of your toothbrush or a tongue scraper at least once a day to clear away the bacteria and food particles trapped on the tongue’s uneven surface. Clean gently and rinse immediately after to get rid of any debris. Your tongue has been properly cleaned if the teeth feel smooth after running it over their front and back surfaces.
6- ‘F’ is for Fluoride
Fluoride toothpastes and mouthwashes strengthen the enamel and prevent cavities. Look for toothpastes with at least 1,350 – 1,500 ppm fluoride content and Chlorhexidine-containing mouthwashes for effective cleansing.
7- Kick Out Bad Oral Habits
Smoking not only stains teeth and causes bad breath, but also makes damaged-gum healing difficult. Teeth grinding and clenching also wears down the enamel and damages jaw joints and muscles.=
8- Reduce the Sugary, Sticky Sweetness
As they break down, high sugar content foods erode the enamel, whereas sticky foods like toffees and jellies deposit a thin, difficult-to-remove layer of sugar on the teeth, increasing the risk of tooth decay. Do not avoid, instead, limit the consumption of such foods to mealtimes.
This article is written with the general audience in mind and is meant for people who are interested in preserving their dental health and even want to enhance the aesthetics of their teeth and thus smile. This article however cannot help people who already have tooth damage or any sort of gu, disease.
Thus, if you have red, swollen and painful gums and jaws, feel your teeth are loosening or have a bad taste in your mouth that doesn’t go away, consult your dentist immediately.
You can book an appointment with a top Dental Specialist in Multan, Karachi and Lahore right here at oladoc.com. Or call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT Doctor for your dental needs.
