It may not seem as critical as developing an ideal dental care routine to follow at home. But in reality, a home care routine is just as important as your office care methods, if not more.
The state of your oral health is crucial to your overall health. Oral health problems can lead to many health problems such as stroke, diabetes, heart disease, etc.
Luckily, you can create a preventative oral care plan with a few confident decisions and consistent habits.
Choosing The Right Toothbrush
Before worrying about the details of oral care, choose a toothbrush that is both effective and non-abrasive. Brushes with hard or medium bristles, for instance, can grind your teeth and eventually cause problems.
An efficient cleaning can be achieved with a soft-bristled brush. This minimizes potential negative impacts. In addition, you should change your toothbrush after two to three months of use, especially if the bristles are frayed.
Your choice of toothpaste
Secondly, you should choose toothpaste that will adequately clean your teeth. Toothpaste containing fluoride is recommended to prevent tooth decay and slow down the progression. Before making your final decision, observe the ingredients. Since several products labeled “natural” don’t contain fluoride.
Using smart brushing techniques
Be sure that you brush with a bit of technique rather than using excessive force. Since it does no good for your teeth or gums. The three steps are: apply a small amount of pressure, tilt the brush at a 45-degree angle, and brush the gum line in a short, circular motion.
The back teeth have nooks and crannies that make them more susceptible to cavities and gum disease. These teeth should be your priority. You should gently brush your tongue as well. Neglecting the tongue can lead to plaque and other oral problems when neglected.
Average time of brushing
There is evidence that many people brush their teeth for 43 seconds. By brushing your teeth for two minutes per time, you can prevent tooth decay to a considerable extent. Do not brush your teeth too often, as this can damage the gums and enamel on your teeth. It is sufficient to brush twice a day, preferably in the morning and night.
Using dental floss
As part of your oral hygiene routine, you should use dental floss. Because thinner floss fits easily into tight spaces, it is better for compact teeth. It is best to use single-strand options, which are the lightest available. Another option is to use a waxed product, which, according to some, assists the floss in working its way through those hard-to-reach places.
People with more significant gaps between their teeth should choose a thicker floss. Such as weaved floss that has several strands are woven together or dental tape (a flat, nylon ribbon).
Using a Mouthwash
In addition to brushing and flossing twice a day, you can further enhance your oral care regimen by rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash, such as Listerine Antiseptic Mouthwash.
To help eliminate more oral bacteria, swish the mouthwash for 30 seconds after brushing and flossing.
Regularly cleaning toothbrush holder
Your toothbrush holder and oral hygiene would benefit from a regular, thorough cleaning. Just as your toothbrush should be changed every two to three months.
In a study conducted by the National Sanitation Foundation, the toothbrush holder came third on the list of germiest household items. This was ahead of only the dish sponge and kitchen sink. It should be loaded into the dishwasher every week or washed with hot water and soap before disinfecting.
Taking care of your diet
Sugary snacks can adversely affect your oral health if consumed over a prolonged period. So you should limit your intake of them.
Certain foods (cucumbers, apples, celery, carrots, lettuce, and pears) can remove plaque from the surfaces of your teeth and help them maintain that white glow.
Moreover, since these foods require extra chewing time, they boost saliva production. This helps neutralize acids that may erode your teeth.
Avoiding tobacco products
By smoking and using smokeless tobacco, you are at a greater risk of many oral diseases like:
- oral cancer,
- gum disease,
- tooth discoloration,
- poor breath, laryngeal,
- pharyngeal, and esophageal cancers,
- and various other oral health problems.
It is imperative to avoid tobacco products at all costs for your oral health.
Knowing the red flags
Keep your teeth clean and examined regularly to avoid gum disease and other oral health issues. Ensure there are no abnormalities in your mouth during your oral care routine. A few of the symptoms of oral health issues to be aware of are:
- red, tender, or swollen gums;
- bleeding gums when brushing or flossing;
- gums pulling away from your teeth;
- loose teeth;
- sensitivity to hot or cold foods;
- painful chewing;
- an unusual taste in your mouth.
Making a consistent oral hygiene routine
Once you’ve got a routine down, stick to it regularly. You’ll eventually be firmly established in your schedule. And it will feel like a normal part of your day because you have created a blueprint to follow.
BOTTOM LINE
Keep that significant momentum going by sharing this new knowledge with your family members. This will encourage them to keep up with your oral care routine too.