Measure to Take to Maintain Dental Hygiene

Dental health is not expensive; neglect is! So, if you have teeth, you have all the reasons to keep them in good shape. Read on to find out how.

Measures to Take to Maintain Dental Hygiene

“For there was never yet a philosopher that could endure the toothache patiently" - William Shakespeare.

Your pearly whites (all 32 of them) are not just there to make you look pretty! Yes, there's no doubt that a healthy set of teeth makes any smile look better, but there's more to dental health than just that. 

The mouth is an entryway for everything you eat and drink, and with its protective enzymes, acts as the frontline defense against a lot of unwanted pathogens. So, a hale and hearty mouth is an asset for anyone. Read on to find out eight simple yet effective measures for strong teeth and a healthy mouth. 

Eight things you should do today to avoid dental issues tomorrow

While you may not think about them while going about your typical day, teeth play an essential role in ensuring your day goes well. They help you chew and start the digestion process, give clarity to words and speech, and, of course, give shape to your face. But people often don’t take dental hygiene seriously and end up paying thousands of rupees in damage control. 

So, if you believe prevention is better than cure, you'll find the following eight tips really helpful. 

1. Start following what you learned as a child; brush before going to sleep.

While this may seem obvious, you'd be surprised to know how many people do not follow the basic rule of dental care – brushing a minimum of two times a day! Brushing removes food particles and reduces the chances of dental cavities by discouraging bacterial growth.

It is best if you can brush after every sugary meal but even if that’s tough, at least do it twice, once in the morning and once before you go to bed. Brushing twice ensures better protection against plaque and keeps you feeling fresh all day long, and it should be a part of all children's dental health routines. 

2. Don't just move your brush around your mouth aimlessly; learn the proper technique.

Brushing is one thing but brushing right is entirely different. Using the proper brushing technique is not only more effective but also reduces the chances of gum and cheek injury. Use the right toothbrush and gently move the brush in circular motions. This helps to remove plaque and prevent gum diseases like gingivitis.

While brushing, don’t forget to reach your molar (wisdom tooth if you have one) because food particles can easily lodge themselves in the tooth crown. Invest in the right toothbrush and make sure you replace it every six months. 

3. Don't buy a toothpaste just because of its colour; use fluoridated toothpaste.

 No matter which toothpaste you choose, make sure to read the small print at the back carefully. Fluoride, despite a recent rumour, is essential for healthy teeth. They help in removing decay-causing bacteria and also coat your teeth with a protective layer. 

So, as long as you do not slurp toothpaste (hopefully a habit you quit once you grow up), fluoride is very important for a healthy mouth. 

4. Your tongue is a window to your health status; don't neglect it.

 Your tongue is an equally important (if not more) part of your mouth. Other than helping your talk, it's where all the magic of taste happens. Imagine a world where you couldn't tell the difference between a cake and pasta! 

Plaque can form even on your tongue and hinder its function. So, gently scrub your tongue with safe tongue scrapers every time you brush. 

5. Brushing can win half the battle, but flossing wins it; start flossing correctly.

A lot of people ignore flossing for a lot of reasons. Some are just not aware of the benefits, while others don’t know how to do it right. If you use the right flossing product, it is just as easy as brushing your teeth. 

Now to the benefits, flossing is much more effective in removing even the most stubborn food particles that brushing can’t remove. It also helps in stimulating the gums and reduces gum inflammation.

6. Mouthwashes don’t just give you good breath; they complete your oral care routine.

 There are three more reasons (other than the obvious one – fresh breath) why you should invest in a good mouthwash. Mouthwashes help to reduce the concentration of mouth acids, reducing the chances of tooth decay. They act as de-mineralizing agents for teeth and help clean the area around the gums where brushing and flossing can't help. 

Using a mouthwash once a day is a great way to help you feel fresh all day long. 

7. Drink enough water, eat right, and cut down on dietary sugar 

Crunchy vegetables, and fruits are a great source of fibre and help to remove plaque naturally. Like many body functions, maintaining good oral hygiene is not complete without the proper intake of water. It helps to lower mouth acid concentration in addition to tons of other health benefits. 

8. Say Hi to your dentist at least once a year for a comprehensive check-up.

Last but not least, pay a visit to your dentist once a year even if you do not require any obvious dental treatment. It is key to the early detection of many serious dental or mouth diseases and saves you from a huge medical bill in the long run.

Summing up

Just like any great asset, you need to take care of your teeth and mouth to continue enjoying the benefits. Dental problems are one of the most common reasons for an inflated medical bill and many nights spent in agony. So, if the philosophers in Shakespeare's play couldn't endure toothache, there's no reason why you should. 

Here's hoping the eight tips in the article will help you steer clear of most of your dental issues and get healthy smiles. Visit Wellness Forever to get your complete dental care kit delivered safely to your doorstep today and say bye to nasty toothaches forever!