Good oral hygiene is essential in both preventing and treating bad breath and other oral health problems. Establishing a strong oral hygiene routine and care regimen doesn’t have to be complicated. To ensure healthy teeth and gums and maintain fresh breath, follow these tips for developing and sticking to an effective oral hygiene routine.
Why Oral Hygiene is Important
When it comes to your overall health, good oral hygiene plays an important role. Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease and weaken your overall health. A healthy mouth helps contribute to overall well being. Therefore, maintaining a routine dental care and oral hygiene regimen is important to ensure both short-term and long-term health goals.
Develop a Morning and Nighttime Routine
Establishing a routine of brushing twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and using a mouthwash regularly is the best way to stay on top of oral hygiene.
Morning oral hygiene routine
• Brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day.
• Floss between your teeth once a day.
• Use a fluoride-containing toothpaste.
• Rinse with an oral rinse/mouthwash.
Nighttime oral hygiene routine
• Brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day.
• Floss between your teeth once a day.
• Use a fluoride-containing toothpaste.
• Rinse with an oral rinse/mouthwash.
• Avoid brushing right away after eating acidic foods or drinks, due to the possibility of enamel erosion.
• If you notice bleeding when brushing or flossing, make sure to consult with your dentist as soon as possible.
Techniques for Brushing Teeth
The right technique is essential in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. The following steps will help ensure your brushing is as effective as possible:
• Wet your brush.
• Apply fluoride toothpaste. Use an amount about the size of a pea.
• Place your brush in your mouth at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
• Move the brush back and forth gently in a circular motion and brush all surfaces of your teeth.
• Make sure to also brush your tongue, which helps to reduce bacteria.
• Rinse with water.
Techniques for Flossing
Flossing regularly can help to remove plaque and food particles that regular brushing may miss. Follow these steps for maximum effectiveness when flossing:
• Gently slide the floss between each tooth, making sure to work all the way down to the gum line.
• Floss up and down with a gentle, side-to-side motion. Avoid sawing back and forth.
• Wrap the floss around each tooth and go below the gum line.
• Sliding the floss in an up and down motion helps remove plaque and bacteria.
• Rinse and floss the rest of your teeth.
Using a Mouthwash
Using a mouthwash that contains fluoride helps prevent cavities and tartar buildup. When using a mouthwash, swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds and rinse it out.
Make Oral Hygiene a Priority
In order to establish and maintain a routine oral hygiene regimen, be sure to set aside time to brush and floss regularly. Don’t rush through your oral hygiene routine, but take your time and make sure all your teeth are thoroughly cleaned.
For maximum effectiveness and protection from gum disease and tooth decay, it’s recommended to brush for a minimum of two minutes, twice a day. Additionally, floss at least once a day, and don’t forget to use a mouthwash regularly, as directed in its instructions.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
No matter how disciplined you are with your oral hygiene routine, it’s important to visit the dentist regularly. Regular visits to your dentist are invaluable in keeping your teeth and gums healthy and your breath fresh. During your visits, your dentist is able to spot potential problems and provide treatments to prevent any long-term consequences.
Creating and maintaining a consistent routine of brushing twice daily, flossing once daily, and using a mouthwash or rinse regularly are the best ways to ensure healthy teeth and gums as well as fresh breath. Make sure to also visit your dentist regularly for a full checkup and thorough cleaning to take your oral hygiene to the next level. Once you have the right oral hygiene routine and care regimen in place, stick to it for optimal oral health.
