Top Tips for Optimum Oral Health
Oral hygiene is an essential aspect of overall good health & well-being and over a lifetime, your teeth and gums have to endure a lot of punishment. There are two types of people; those who don’t bother with the dentist unless they have an issue and those who take a proactive approach and have regular oral examinations.
Either way, there is a set of best practices to promote dental health, which we outline below.
Correct brushing – You should brush your teeth 4-5 times a day; first thing in the morning, after every meal and finally, prior to sleep. Make sure you buy a quality toothbrush, one with a small-medium head and soft-medium bristles; brushing effectively involves changing direction with a combination of circular and up-and-down motions. Your dentist would sell a range of toothbrushes and toothpaste of the best quality; buy for the whole family next time you are there.
Floss after each meal – If you are unsure about how to floss correctly, there are some cool animations on the web that clearly demonstrate how to floss correctly. You only need a short length, 6-9 inches and wrap the ends around each index finger and briskly floss between the teeth. Throw away the floss after each use and rinse with mouthwash to remove all residue.
Antiseptic mouthwash – Antiseptic mouthwash kills bacteria and you should rinse after eating snacks and even after brushing and flossing. Rinse vigorously, forcing the liquid through the gaps in your teeth, then rinse with cold water. Carry a small bottle around when you are out and about and soon it will become second nature.
Avoid sugary drinks – Drinks that are high in sugar content should be avoided, or at least, cut down. Sugar is bad for teeth as it feeds the bacteria that cause tooth decay; if you must drink high-sugar beverages, rinse with mouthwash after.
Visit your dentist frequently – We should have an oral examination every 6 months, which allows for early detection; any oral issues that are found can be promptly treated. Early treatment means the dentist can prevent further damage, which is why we should all make an appointment at least twice a year. For more information on oral health, check out Beseenhub, a leading dental hub in Australia.
Self-examination – You can actually run your tongue over your teeth to check for decay pin holes and should you feel a small hole in tooth enamel, make an appointment with your local dentist.
Use a fluoride-based toothpaste – It is well known that fluoride toothpaste prevents tooth decay, so always make sure you use a brand that contains fluoride.
Protect your teeth and gums when playing contact sports – It is easy to damage teeth when playing contact sports; search the web for a supplier of sports mouthguards and order a couple; when you put the device in hot water, it becomes pliable and will form to your shape.
Teeth discolouration – Drinking black coffee and red wine can cause tooth discolouration, something that can be treated. If you would like to learn more about such treatments, make an appointment with your local dental clinic and the resident dentist can take a look.
As mentioned already, you should adopt a proactive approach regarding oral health and schedule check-ups every 4-6 months. This ensures that any dental issues are dealt with promptly, which is a much better solution than putting it off until some time in the future.