There’s more to a sparkling smile than just brushing and flossing.
As you’ve likely heard, your oral hygiene can have a major impact on your overall health. Gum disease, for instance, has been linked to a variety of health issues, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, preterm labour and even Alzheimer’s disease. These are all reasons why it's so important to take care of your teeth.
A visit to White Dental Hygiene is a sure fire way to improve your oral health and get tailored advice for you. However, with these simple steps, you can help improve your dental hygiene—and indeed your overall health.
1. Wait before you brush
Do you regularly start your morning with a glass of orange juice? You're going to want to hold off on brushing for a while afterwards.
Foods and drinks with a low pH - acidic foods, in layman's terms - temporarily soften the enamel of the teeth. If you immediately follow up with brushing, the action could remove some of the enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to decay over time.
Your best bet is to delay brushing after you’ve had citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, fizzy drinks and wine.
2. Switch to a soft-bristled brush
You likely already know that you should change your toothbrush every two to three months - and if you don't, you should! Howver, if you’re using a hard brush, consider replacing it now. Medium and firm-bristled toothbrushes may leave your teeth feeling cleaner, but they can be very abrasive- and damaging over time. This applies to both manual and electric toothbrushes.
3. Brush at Least Twice a Day
Choose a toothbrush with a small head for a better access to the back teeth. There’s no need to brush too vigorously - it is not good for your teeth or gums. Instead, use a gentle amount of pressure, tilting the brush at a 45-degree angle against the gum line, and brushing in a short, circular motions, sweeping away from the gum with each stroke.
4. Start by Brushing in the Back
This good habit may mean that you do a better job cleaning those hard-to-reach spots. This is essential since all of those nooks and crannies in your molars make them more susceptible to gum disease and cavities.
5. Rinse out With Water
Rinsing after meals and snacks will help to disrupt and dislodge any food particles.
6. Clean in Between Your Teeth Daily
Brushing can clean the surface of the teeth, but it cannot do the same for the spaces in between teeth. This is where interdental cleaning comes in - and by this we mean flossing or using interdental brushes from your dentist.
Interdental cleaning helps to get rid of food residue and other detrimental substances stuck between the teeth. We advise getting into the habit of this at least once per day - ask your dentist which product would be best for you.
7. Leave a Little Fluoride In Your Mouth Before Bedtime
Fluoride helps to strengthen the tooth surface so why rinse it off after brushing your teeth?
Brush your teeth twice. First time around is to get rid of the food residue and to avoid bacterial proliferation. After brushing the second time, just spit out the toothpaste and don’t rinse out with water.
8. Switch to Healthy Foods and Drinks
It comes as no surprise that healthier foods are better for your teeth. Make a conscious effort to choose food that is low in sugar, including sugary drinks.
. Routine Dental Visits
Of course, all you can do is try and do your best and then leave the rest to the dental care experts. But make it a habit to visit a dentist and dental hygienist regularly for full oral examination and dental hygiene visit. Alternatively, make an appointment to see us. With our direct access policy, you don't even need to register with us or change your dentist!
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