Achieving good oral health demands a lifetime of care. Even if you have good teeth today, you must carry out all the necessary steps to maintain your condition and prevent dental issues.
Maintaining your oral health is as important as maintaining your overall health. Many people care for their teeth and gums by following an appropriate oral hygiene routine. However, many others are negligent about maintaining their oral health.
Here’s a list of things adults can do to achieve and maintain good oral health.
- Brush your teeth before bed
Almost everyone knows they must brush their teeth at least twice a day. Still, many of us brush our teeth only once and continue to neglect nighttime brushing. Brushing before bed is essential because it eliminates the germs and plaque accumulated in the mouth throughout the day.
2 . Brush appropriately
Brushing your teeth twice is essential, and it is equally important to do it properly. Not brushing your teeth correctly is almost as bad as not brushing at all. You must take your time to brush your teeth and ensure to move your toothbrush gently in circular motions to remove plaque. The main aim of brushing teeth is to remove plaque, and if you fail to do this, the plaque in your mouth will harden and lead to calculus build-up and gingivitis.
- Use a fluoride toothpaste
When choosing a toothpaste, place more importance on elements other than whitening power and flavours. No matter which toothpaste you choose, ensure it contains fluoride. Fluoride is the essential ingredient in any toothpaste to protect against tooth decay. It fights decay-causing germs and provides a protective barrier for your teeth.
- Floss regularly, like you brush daily
Dental floss is a string-like instrument that helps in removing the food particles stuck in between your teeth. Flossing can be done using the spool or loop method. In the spool method, you need to wrap the string of the floss around your middle finger and then use two fingers adjacent to your middle finger to floss effectively. In the loop method, you need to tie the two ends of the floss to create a loop. Then place your fingers within the loop and move the floss using the index finger and thumb. The spool method is most used by adults, while the loop method is easier for children to use.
- Smoking cessation
Smoking is one of the significant reasons behind deteriorating oral health. Smoking increases plaque accumulation that invites bacteria to attack the teeth and gums. Moreover, smoking leads to a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream, which is a significant reason for delaying the healing process of the infected oral tissues.
People who smoke often lose their teeth early because of gum diseases. Smoking also causes teeth staining, decay, and oral cancer. Therefore, people should quit this habit to maintain not just their oral health but also their overall health.
- Use mouthwash
A mouthwash plays an essential role in maintaining your oral health. However, not many people are aware of its benefits. Mouthwashes are known to help in three ways:
- Reduce the acid amount in the mouth
- Clean hard-to-reach areas by brushing in and around the gums
- Re-mineralize the teeth
If you aren’t sure about which mouthwash to use, it is best to ask your dentist for recommendations. Certain brands are ideal to be used by adults, while some are best for children and adults with sensitive teeth.
- Don’t use a toothbrush for too long.
The bristles of a toothbrush may wear out with time and usage. Though you cannot see, with repeated use, your toothbrush will accumulate bacteria on its bristles. If toothbrushes aren’t replaced frequently, you risk ingesting these harmful bacteria while brushing. Once these bacteria enter your mouth, they may affect your stomach and cause oral health problems. Hence, it is best to replace your toothbrush every three months, even if its bristles appear okay.
- Limit sugary and acidic foods
Everyone knows that sugar converts into acid once it enters the mouth. Acids erode the enamel of your teeth and may lead to cavities. Acidic fruits and beverages like tea and coffee can also wear down tooth enamel. Avoiding these beverages and foods altogether may not be possible, but it would help to be mindful.
- See your dentist at least two times a year
Your daily habits play an essential role in determining your overall oral health. Therefore, even the most dutiful brushers and flossers must see a dentist regularly for check-ups and cleaning. It is recommended to see your dentist at least twice a year to allow them to examine your teeth for cavities and clean them by removing calculus.
Certain dental insurance companies cover more frequent dental check-ups; if this is the case, you must take advantage of it. To book an appointment for a regular dental check-up, call us on (03) 9133 8657 or drop an email at [email protected].
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are 3 of the best ways to promote good oral health?
There are many things you can do to maintain your oral health. However, the 3 things that are on top of the list are brushing and flossing daily, changing your toothbrush regularly, and visiting your dentist at least twice a year. Brushing is recommended at least 2 times in a day, whereas flossing must be done once. It is best to change your toothbrush every 3 months to avoid brushing your teeth with damaged bristles of the brush and reintroducing the bacteria and germs on the bristles in your mouth. Regular visits to the dentists can help identify and treat any dental issue at an initial stage.
Are fluoride toothpastes safe?
Fluoride toothpastes are generally safe to use. These toothpastes are recommended for both children and adults. Fluoridated toothpaste are beneficial for tooth decay. However, relying solely on fluoridated toothpastes isn’t enough to maintain your oral health. You must pay attention to other things important for maintaining your oral health as well like flossing daily, cleaning your tongue, limiting intake of beverages like tea and coffee, drinking sufficient water every day, visiting your dentist regularly, and more. If you want to use a fluoride toothpaste in your daily routine, it is best to ask your dentist for recommendations.
How does sugar affect oral health?
Sugar can affect your oral health adversely. People consuming too much sugar often complain of tooth pain due to tooth decay. Sugary items react with the bacteria within the plaque and lead to production of acid. This acid leads to tooth decay because it slowly dissolves the enamel and creates cavities in the teeth. Tooth decay, if ignored for too long can lead to tooth abscesses, which may call for the need for tooth removal. If you want to maintain your oral health in the long term, it is best to limit the intake of sugary items. You may also consider brushing your teeth after consuming sugary drinks or foods.
