If you see anyone with sparkly white teeth and a beautiful smile, they probably have impeccable oral hygiene. Maintenance of oral hygiene implies keeping all parts of the oral cavity clean and preventing bacteria accumulation in the nooks and corners. If someone doesn’t do so, the chances of decay, infection if the gums and the premature loss of teeth are seen.
To speak in very basic terms, the food that you eat acts as a substrate for the bacteria that exist in your mouth. They digest the food and produce a form of acid that is responsible for causing all the aforementioned issues. Therefore, oral hygiene maintenance entails reducing the pathogenic load in the mouth and flushing away and neutralizing the acid that is inadvertently produced. Here are a few important methods of doing so.
Use proper brushing technique
Brushing is probably one of the most important as well as basic things that one does every day. The question is, how many of you brush twice daily. Dentists recommended brushing once in the morning and once at night using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. The proper technique is also important. You should not brush horizontally and with force.
Instead, it would be best to go for a circular motion followed by vertical swipes at the end. Make sure you reach out to all the surfaces of the teeth each time you brush. You should not brush more than 2-3 minutes at one go. If you have brushing for 5-10 minutes, thinking that it is better for your teeth, you are doing more harm than good.
Floss properly
Flossing is another important yet most commonly ignored method for the maintenance of oral hygiene. Many studies have proven that decay generally starts from the area in between or the side of the tooth because food gets impacted there, and the bristles are unable to reach it. Flossing using a special medical-grade waxed thread can be used to ensure that the impacted food is taken out before the harm starts.
Use a tongue scraper
One of the main reasons why people have bad breath, and they don’t really realize is because of the deposits that are present on the tongue. Scientifically, it is called tongue plaque that accumulates over a period of time. You can use a tongue scraper periodically to prevent this from happening. Do not be too vigorous in using it, though. Be gentle but effective.
Limit sugary food and starches
As mentioned before, the food you eat acts as a nutrition source for the pathogens in your mouth. This is even more compounded when the food is sugary and full of starches. These are the favorite food for the bacteria as they are easily broken down, and the acid production is maximum. Therefore, avoid it as much as you can. Replace it with fruits and water if you have a sweet tooth and can’t stay away from it. A healthy alternative is considered to be adequate in this scenario. Drinking too much tea and coffee with sugar can also be a problem. Instead, switch to kratom, the best alternative beverage available in the market. Big bear kratom is a good option for the same.
Eat teeth-whitening foods
The food is not always the culprit, though. There are some specific types of foods that aid in the maintenance of oral hygiene as well. They are rich in fiber content and have a coarse texture that can remove whatever plaque and debris get accumulated on the tooth surface. Celery and other types of cereals are good examples of it. Thus, the formation of yellowish deposition on the teeth is prevented by this.
Add mouthwash and gum to your routine
There are some additional aids for maintaining oral hygiene, mainly in the form of mouthwash and gums. Swishing with the right mouthwash can clean the most unreachable of areas in the mouth and keep the oral cavity sanitized. However, it is not a good idea to use mouthwash daily.
Use it from time to time and as and when required. Some gums are enhanced with fluoride and other substances that prevent the formation of decay easily. You can chew on them periodically.
Visit your dentist regularly
Lastly, the most crucial method to maintain oral hygiene is to take expert advice. Therefore, plan an appointment with your dentist at least once in 6 months. They will review your oral hygiene status and suggest appropriate treatment and play a role in early diagnosis and prevention of some decay that might have set in. You get a comprehensive cosmetic dentistry treatment from a dentist.
It must have become clear that the maintenance of oral hygiene can be an essential factor for oral health and the subsequent systemic health. The methods mentioned above will help to ensure that.
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