Most people were brought up with the idea that in order to keep your teeth healthy and your teeth white, all you needed to do was brush them twice a day.
Of course, this is one of the core foundations of oral hygiene and should not be overlooked in the grand scheme of what is important in your daily routine. But with the advances in preventive dentistry in recent years, there is a lot more that can be done to ensure that your oral hygiene is maintained.
Oral hygiene is important to ensure that your teeth remain free of tooth decay and of course, that you can retain your fresh breath, which is seen as something of a social faux pas if you do not treat it appropriately!
So, what are some of the easiest and most effective ways to ensure your oral hygiene is maintained?
Clean your teeth twice a day
This was mentioned in the intro but it is one of the most effective ways to play your role in keeping your oral hygiene in good condition. You should ideally be using an electric toothbrush, a high fluoride toothpaste and brushing your teeth for around 3 minutes twice a day. Be sure to use small circular motions when brushing your teeth and do not apply too much pressure, as this can cause your gums to erode and can even wear down the enamel on your teeth. If you aren’t sure that you are using the right toothbrush or toothpaste, consult with a dentist in Tunbridge Wells for more advice.
Floss
Flossing should not be overlooked either as it cleans that hidden 40% of your teeth and unfortunately, in between your teeth is the most likely area where plaque and bacteria will build up. Especially if you have spacing issues or misalignments. If you find that every time you floss there is blood you should consult with your dental team about the correct procedure to use.
Attend check-ups
Of course, you should be attending checkups every 6 months, as this will allow your dental team to assess the condition of your teeth.
It will also help as at the majority of dental appointments, you will be able to have your teeth professionally cleaned using specialised dental equipment which will get rid of hard-to-remove plaque and tartar. This will once again help you to maintain the general hygiene of your teeth.
Don’t smoke
Smoking is not ideal at the best of times but if you’re looking for a way to maintain your health, you will look to minimise this habit. Smoking increases the permeability of the gums and heightens the chance of you developing gum disease and other unpleasant ailments, such as oral cancer.
Avoid sugar
The most obvious point is addressed! If you want to maintain your oral hygiene, you will actively avoid sugar as much as possible. If you do have a sweet tooth, always be sure to brush your teeth thoroughly and use a high fluoride toothpaste to protect your teeth.