Proper Dental Hygiene For Dummies
We all know the drill, experts recommend that we brush our teeth after each meal, floss once a day and visit the local dentist twice a year. However, here are a few tips that would further help in safeguarding our teeth and gums from infections, diseases and other oral problems:
Brushing:
- Ideally, brush your teeth using fluoride-enriched toothpaste to strengthen teeth enamel.
-Soft-bristled toothbrushes are a must as it is deemed gentler on the gums. Replace your toothbrush every three months or if they have become frayed or bent.
-Brush your teeth for at least two minutes.
-When brushing, position your brush at a slight angle against your teeth, approximately at a 45 degree angle where your gums and teeth meet.
-Move your toothbrush in a gentle circular motion and not at a back and forth motion. The former is much more effective in scrubbing away plaques and food debris.
-Make an extra effort to brush gently. Brushing too hard can cause gum bleeding, teeth sensitivity and receding gum line.
-Do not ignore the sides of your inner cheeks and the tongue when brushing as 85% of oral bacteria builds on these areas and not on the teeth alone.
-People who suffer from arthritis and other similar ailments should consider using electric toothbrushes in order to lessen the discomfort of brushing.
Flossing:
- With great care, ease the floss between two teeth with a gentle back and forth motion.
-Curve the strand at the edge of each tooth as it slides up and down to scrape off plaque deposits.
-Gently tug the strand from the gum line to the top of the tooth and scrape off plaque but do not, under any circumstances, force it under your gums as this will irritate it and may lead to bleeding.
-Do not forget to floss the back of your teeth. These parts are often neglected.
Other Oral Heath Care Tips:
-Gargling a good mouth rinse after brushing and flossing helps in reducing plaque.
-Interdental cleaners such as dental picks or dental sticks are great tools to use when cleaning in-between teeth. Tongue scrapers and oral irrigators (a device which aims a stream of water in-between teeth) are also great in aiding on thoroughly cleaning teeth.
-Never use toothpicks. These are not designed to clean your teeth and you run the risk of bleeding and worse, gum infection.
It is also essential to visit your dentist at least twice a year. However, if any of these symptoms occurs, you need to seek immediate help:
- Swollen gums
-Gums that regularly bleed out each and every time you brush or floss. This is one of the early signs of gum infection.
-Tenderness and pus around your teeth.
-Receding gums or sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks.
-Changes in the way your upper and lower teeth touch or changes in the feel of your dentures.
