Oral diseases affect almost 3.5 billion people worldwide, with over 2 billion of them suffering from tooth decay. Surprisingly, a large number of these cases could’ve been prevented by maintaining regular and proper oral hygiene. Poor dental health can be a direct cause of many serious diseases, including some chronic ones. Here are a few tips improving your oral hygiene and some of the most effective methods with which the risk can be minimized.
1. Floss daily
The purpose of dental floss isn’t only to make your teeth appear brighter. Excess food particles often get lodged between your teeth in places where the toothbrush can’t reach them. When not removed, they promote faster plaque buildup which then hardens into tartar – something that requires dental intervention to be removed. If you’re struggling with bad breath, flossing could solve your problems.
Alongside teeth, flossing can save your gums as well. Many people who have sensitive gums avoid dental floss, but that’s even more of a reason they should use it. Flossing is a tried and trusted way to prevent many common gum diseases, from mild ones such as gingivitis to much scarier periodontitis.
2. Avoid rinsing
Most people rinse their mouths with water after brushing in order to get as much of the toothpaste out as possible. However, this removes one very important element that makes toothpaste effective – fluoride. Concentrated fluoride lines your teeth, strengthening enamel, reducing the amount of acid that bacteria are able to produce, and even helps prevent tooth decay. If you just spit out the remaining toothpaste without rinsing, it’s going to stay on your teeth for added protection.
Keep in mind that this rule doesn’t apply when you floss. Rinsing after flossing removes the excess plaque and everything else that the floss collected. To make your routine as effective as possible, brush and rinse your teeth at different times.
3. Use a proper toothbrush and technique
Hard-bristled toothbrushes in combination with aggressive brushing are a recipe for disaster. They can damage your teeth and tooth enamel, in severe cases even cause cavities. On the other hand, soft toothbrushes are much more effective at removing food and plaque build-up since they can reach tight spots. They bend more easily, making them much softer and more comfortable to use.
If your gums start bleeding during brushing, you should either switch up the toothbrush or soften up your technique. Follow the general rule of brushing in circles while moving towards the front of your mouth. Keep in mind that you should replace your toothbrush as soon as it shows signs of wear, as well as if you’ve been sick since bacteria can remain on the bristles.
It’s important to note that none of the aforementioned tips are a replacement for a regular dental check-up and expert advice. The professionals at Barrie Smile Centre can help answer all of your questions, as well as give you personalized guidelines and suggestions on how to take better care of your teeth. Request a free consultation today to avoid any preventable problems tomorrow.
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