Tooth decay or dental caries is one of the most common dental problems dentists treat. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 2 billion people suffer from tooth decay. There are many factors causing this, but the most common one is poor oral hygiene.
Maintaining the best dental hygiene is a lifelong commitment, and the earlier you learn the habits, the easier it is to avoid potential dental issues in the future. Unfortunately, many people don’t take proper care of their teeth until they encounter serious problems and complications.
But hope is not lost. If you’re looking to improve your oral health, you can start by learning the five dental hygiene hacks we compiled below.
Develop Dental Care Habits
Dental care involves positive habits that you should practice daily, such as the following:
Brush your teeth before going to bed
Brushing at night removes the plaque and bacteria that accumulate during the day, which may damage the teeth if not removed. Dentists recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and two minutes each time.
Brush properly
Poor brushing is equivalent to not brushing at all. It’s crucial to use proper techniques when brushing your teeth, gums, and even tongue. Note that plaques can also build up in the tongue, causing bad breath and other oral problems. Make a short circular motion, and don’t press too hard against the teeth and gums to avoid unnecessary irritation.
Floss once a day
Flossing is as important as brushing. It removes food residue and plaque in areas that brushing can’t reach. Also, it helps stimulate the gums and prevent gum inflammation. Thus, consider flossing at least once a day, and the best time to do it is before going to sleep. Plaque is more concentrated while you’re sleeping, causing more damage to your teeth.
Choose fluoride toothpaste
Whitening your teeth can add more beauty to your smile. But when looking for whitening toothpaste, make sure that it contains fluoride for decay protection. Fluoride is the key ingredient that best protects the teeth against cavities.
Use a mouthwash
Acid formation in the mouth reduces by using mouthwash. It also cleans gum areas that are not reached by brushing and brings back minerals to the teeth. But before using mouthwash, it’s best to ask for recommendations from your dentist.
Drink lots of water
Water keeps your mouth clean and hydrated. It prevents the plaque from building up in your teeth and gums. Ensure to drink plenty of water, especially after every meal. This will help flush some of the food particles and wash out the acids in the mouth. It also helps restore lost enamel on your teeth.
Have a Regular Dental Check
Regularly visiting the dentist is essential for preventive health care. It’s highly recommended to see your dentist twice a year or as necessary to prevent and address oral issues. But there are exceptional cases that need a more frequent visit, like pregnant women. They are prone to gum disease and cavities formation because of fluctuating hormones.
Also, cancer patients may need to visit more frequently since they take meds that can dry the mouth, putting them at greater risk of oral health problems. The same applies to smokers and diabetic patients.
Any dental expert can provide you with the dental care you need. But if you live in Perth, Australia, for example, you can find clinics with excellent services, such as Perth Dentist, Dental 359. They have comprehensive dental care services that can accommodate your unique oral health needs.
Replace Toothbrush Regularly
As your toothbrush gets old, bristles begin to fray, and it accumulates harmful bacteria that can migrate to your mouth when you use it. Make sure to change it every three to four months as experts recommend. This will help ensure that your toothbrush is still doing an effective job cleaning your teeth and doesn’t accumulate harmful bacteria.
Eat Lots of Fruits and Vegetables
Eating fresh produce like fruits and veggies gives you lots of healthy fibre, which makes the gums clean and helps keep a healthy saliva flow. In addition, since fruits and vegetables contain lots of antioxidants, they can also protect the tissues in your teeth from cell damage and bacterial infection.
Avoid Sweet Foods
Too many sweets may not be good for your body, including your teeth. Sugar contains carbohydrates that convert nutrients into acids when they come in contact with the saliva and bacteria present in the mouth. The acid content causes the enamel to erode off your teeth which ultimately become prone to cavities.
As much as possible, avoid eating too much sugary food and drinks. If you can’t help it, always remember to brush your teeth after eating to avoid the plaque from building up. However, don’t brush right away. Wait at least one hour for your teeth to remineralize before taking a brush.
Final Words
A simple hygiene hack won’t instantly make your teeth healthier and whiter. It may require strong discipline and commitment on your part. Make sure to stick to your brushing routines, make healthier food decisions and regularly visit your dental professional. These are little things, but they can make a big difference to your dental health.
