How Oral Hygiene Basics Can Maintain Your Smile

Your teeth play a major role in your life. They help you eat and talk, and they complete your smile. Practicing oral hygiene basics will keep your teeth healthy so that they can serve you well for a lifetime.

Brushing

One of the most important aspects of dental hygiene is regular brushing. Do it twice a day. Make sure you reach all surfaces of each tooth. If you have wisdom teeth, do not forget to clean them. Brush the tongue and along the gum line. Be gentle and use circular back-and-forth motions. A thorough brushing takes about two minutes. Wait about 60 minutes after eating before brushing. This gives your saliva time to wash away enamel-weakening acid.

Use fluoridated toothpaste, and choose a flavor and texture that you like. Doing so will make brushing more enjoyable, so you are apt to do it regularly.

The toothbrush you choose is just as important as your toothpaste. Whether you use a manual or electric brush, the bristles should be soft. The toothbrush or brush head should be replaced every three months or sooner if the bristles are worn. If used properly, manual toothbrushes are effective. However, electric and battery-operated devices tend to remove more plaque. Some models have built-in timers and alert users who are brushing with too much force. More advanced electric toothbrushes use Bluetooth to record your brushing pattern, time, and other data to help you improve your brushing technique.

Other dental hygiene practices

Although brushing often gets the most attention, there are other important oral hygiene basics necessary for healthy teeth. The following are three practices that should not be neglected.

1. Flossing

Flossing removes food particles from between the teeth. This prevents bacteria from growing in interdental spaces and causing tooth decay and gum disease.

When using traditional floss, hold about 18 inches of the thread. Wrap one end around each middle finger, guide the floss through each interdental space and rub it up and down the side of each tooth.

Water picks, pre-threaded floss handles, and interdental brushes are all alternatives for those who find traditional floss difficult to use.

2. Rinsing

Although mouthwash is not strictly necessary for a healthy mouth, rinsing can enhance one’s oral hygiene routine. Many rinses have fluoride or other beneficial ingredients. These are not a replacement for brushing but can reach places that you may have missed.

3. Visting the dentist

Visiting the dentist for a cleaning and exam twice a year is one of the most important things you can do for your oral health. Dentists can catch minor problems before they become serious issues. If you need specialized toothpaste or mouthwash, a dentist can write a prescription or recommend an over-the-counter product.