17 Oct 2023

How To Improve Your Dental Hygiene

Your oral health is an important aspect of your overall health. Lack of care for your oral health can increase the risk of general health conditions like respiratory problems, heart disease, and dementia.

The following ways can help improve your dental health.

Brush your teeth two to three times every day

After eating, brushing your teeth will prevent food from getting stuck between your gums and teeth. It also ensures proper teeth cleaning, keeping your teeth bright. Regular teeth brushing prevents bad breath and gum disease.

Ensure each brushing session lasts for about 2 – 3 minutes, with at least 30 seconds on each mouth area. Don’t forget to brush each tooth separately and your tongue.

Get the right toothbrush and replace it often

Several toothbrush options are available, but electronic and soft-bristled toothbrushes are the best option for clean and bright teeth. These toothbrush options allow you to gently clean your teeth without causing long-term damage like enamel loss or receding gums.

Brushing your teeth will prevent bacteria accumulation, and changing your toothbrush after every three months is the best practice. If you are unsure which toothbrush to get, ask your dental hygienist during your next appointment.

Floss regularly

Flossing is important in dental hygiene. It helps remove food between your teeth and bacteria to prevent plaques. Flossing at least once every day, preferably before sleeping or after your meals, can preserve your gum health and prevent the formation of cavities. If you notice bleeding while flossing, you may have poor gum health or gingivitis. Ensure you continue flossing as it improves your oral health and reduces bloody gums.

If you have any dental restoration, inflamed gums, or sensitivity, a water pick is a good option to make flossing easy. A water pick shoots a stream of water, directing your gums and teeth to remove lingering food particles.

Clean your tongue

Like your gums and teeth, the tongue can also serve as a breeding ground for bacteria when least uncleaned. To remove bacteria from your teeth, consider using a tongue scraper or toothbrush with a scraper on the back. It will remove bacteria and improve your breath.

Stop smoking

Besides serious conditions like lung and mouth cancer, smoking can lead to bad breath and tooth discolouration. Smokers have an increased risk of getting infected gums, weakened teeth, and a reduced success rate of dental implants.

Control staining drink and food intake

Although coffee gives most people a boost and a good start in the morning, like dark-coloured drinks, it can become embedded in the ridges and cracks of your enamel, leaving yellowish stains that require teeth whitening.

Eat healthy foods

Dental experts recommend chewing fruit such as apples every day because it helps clean the teeth, prevents cavities, and curbs your appetite for sweet foods that damage the teeth. Crunchier vegetables such as celery and carrots stimulate the gums to fight cavities.

Generally, nutrient-dense foods like fish, chicken, grains, vegetables, and fruits can benefit your dental and overall health.

Reduce sugar intake

Sugary foods like desserts, soda, alcoholic beverages,and juices can increase the risk of cavities. Cavities are bacterial infections resulting from acids in the mouth, and eating sugar-rich foods gives the bacteria fuel to multiply. This may lead to tooth decay.

Use an antibacterial mouthwash

Using a mouthwash every day adds more defence against bacteria in your mouth. Mouthwash can reach different areas in your mouth that a toothbrush cannot clean. Different brands of mouthwashes are available, but ensure you buy a product with an approval seal. These products are effective and safe for use,

Visit your dentist regularly

Many people only visit their dentist when they have a dental issue, but the most important part of your dental care routine is visiting the dentist for routine exams and cleaning. Preventive care can identify minor dental issues before they become serious and need extensive treatment.

Visiting your dentist regularly also helps you build a relationship with your dentist to allow you to discuss your worries and get advice for dental problems. If you experience pain or notice any dental symptoms, ensure you speak to your dentist.

You can call 020 7183 0886 today to make your next dental hygienist appointment at Museum Dental Suites.