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Five Open Secrets For Better Dental Hygiene

By Chidirim Ndeche
08 August 2017   |   8:44 pm
A great smile leaves you feeling confident. Poor oral hygiene can lead to different dental problems in future. Oral health is a very important part of our total health. Tooth problems can lead to diabetes, heart disease, systemic infections, an inability to eat or speak properly and other ailments – some life-threatening. Crooked or crowded…

Man laughing. Photo: Autodo

A great smile leaves you feeling confident. Poor oral hygiene can lead to different dental problems in future. Oral health is a very important part of our total health. Tooth problems can lead to diabetes, heart disease, systemic infections, an inability to eat or speak properly and other ailments – some life-threatening. Crooked or crowded teeth can contribute to gum disease that can eventually lead to tooth loss. Taking care of your teeth and mouth does not just involve brushing in the morning and seeing a dentist only when you have dental problems. You need to form a routine to ensure that you are in perfect dental health.

Photo: SheUnplugged

Here are a few basic tips to ensure that you have good dental hygiene:

1. Brush twice daily.

brush your teeth. Photo: USA today

One of the easiest things to do to keep our teeth clean is to brush properly. Form into a routine of brushing day and night. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a head that is small enough to reach all the parts of your mouth. Replace your toothbrush every 3 months. Use a fluoride toothpaste. Do not scrub your teeth vigorously to avoid hurting your gums. Brush every single part of your teeth with back-and-forth, up-and-down strokes. Clean your tongue and the roof of your mouth to remove bacteria and avoid bad breath. If you do not have the time to brush, use mouthwash or thoroughly rinse your mouth with water.

2. Floss daily.

Floss. Photo: Dental Corporation of America

Flossing can help you remove food particles and other substances that brushing regularly cannot. It allows you to reach deep between your teeth where the toothbrush bristles cannot reach or even mouthwash cannot wash away. Floss at least once a day. It doesn’t really matter what type of floss you use. Choose the type and flavour that you like best. Gently work the floss between the teeth toward the gums. Curve the floss around each tooth into a U-shape, and gently slide it under the gum line. Move the floss firmly up and down several times to scrape off the plaque.

3. Eat a mouth-healthy diet.

Healthy foods. Photo: gift-essentials

Good nutrition is vital to maintaining healthy gums and avoiding tooth decay. Eat a balanced diet that includes whole grains, vegetables, and fruits and is low in saturated fat and sodium. Calcium is very good for your teeth and bones. Avoid foods that contain a lot of sugar. The longer sugar stays in contact with your teeth, the more damage the sugar will do. Do not snack before bedtime, because food left on the teeth is more likely to cause cavities at night.

4. Limit sodas, coffee, alcohol and avoid tobacco.

Drink water. Photo: Fit2Win Wellness

Some beverages contain a high level of phosphorus, which is necessary for a healthy mouth, but too much phosphorus can reduce the body’s level of calcium and cause dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. Some can also discolour teeth badly. Drink water for hydration and milk, which helps strengthen teeth and build stronger enamel. Avoid tobacco totally to save you from oral cancer and periodontal complications. Using sweets and beverages to mask the smell of tobacco on your at complicates things even more as they stay on the teeth and cause them to decay more quickly.

5. Visit your dentist regularly.

Visit the dentist. Photo: Pinterest/Hutchdentist

Regular check ups and cleanings can prevent dental problems as well as provide you with good oral hygiene. Visit your dentist at least twice a year. Also visit your dentist the moment you notice any tooth or jaw pain, to correct the cause of the pain before it turns into a bigger problem.

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