5 Best Tips For Maintaining Oral Hygiene At Home
Oct 11, 2024
While enamel is, in fact, the hardest substance in the human body, keeping it in a good, healthy condition is only done by taking good care of it. Some might believe that regular brushing is sufficient enough to take good care of teeth and maintain a healthy mouth, but unfortunately, that is not the case. Some studies suggest that even the most proper brushing can only remove up to 60% of plaque, leaving the remaining 40% up to other means of cleaning. That is why we put together this guide with a collection of the most important dental hygiene tips that will not only guarantee optimal oral hygiene but also keep your overall body health in check.
Why Is Taking Care of Oral Health Crucial?
A brighter smile is often sought after, but a healthy smile should be the primary goal. In addition to enhancing the aesthetics of teeth, a good oral hygiene routine has the potential to maintain overall health in the human body. Numerous studies have demonstrated a strong connection between oral health and overall body health. Therefore, in addition to preventing some of the most severe dental issues of our time, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer, proper oral hygiene also helps reduce the risk of some of this time’s infamous conditions, such as diabetes and various inflammation-related conditions throughout the body.
Since oral bacteria are able to enter the bloodstream, they can cause inflammation throughout the human body. This increases the risk of many severe conditions, such as respiratory infections and heart disease. All these complications can simply be avoided with simple dental care practices that keep your mouth healthy, therefore safeguarding your entire body.
5 Best Oral Hygiene Practices For A Better Overall Health
Taking care of your oral hygiene practices can help prevent not only dental issues but also more severe health concerns. Here are five oral hygiene tips to keep your mouth and body in optimal health.
1- Brushing Your Teeth
Brushing, being the cornerstone of pristine oral health, is the most crucial step in your daily oral hygiene routine. In order to maintain a truly healthy smile, you must brush your teeth twice a day, for two full minutes each time. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect your gums and fluoride toothpaste to strengthen the tooth enamel.
You’re free to use an electric toothbrush, which, in some cases, can actually help ensure more consistent brushing of the teeth. Be cautious, as vigorous brushing can damage your gums, leading to inflammation and, eventually, tooth loss. Pair your brushing habits with high-quality oral health products to notice the most significant improvement in your smile. Always remember that brushing your teeth the right way is investing in your long-term flawless dental health.
2- Flossing
As we have mentioned earlier, brushing alone is nowhere near enough to address plaque buildup. Flossing must be added to your dental hygiene routine to provide a thorough clean for your precious whites. A simple piece of floss can reach far in between the teeth where no toothbrush can ever reach, making this practice as crucial as brushing. This helps remove any plaque formation from between your teeth and along the gum line, in addition to addressing any annoying food leftovers. By pairing both brushing and flossing, you can limit any risk of getting cavities and prevent more severe conditions, such as gum disease, promoting a healthier, cleaner mouth.
3- Using Mouthwash
Not only does rinsing your mouth with a fluoride mouthwash get rid of bad breath, but it can also provide extra protection by targeting any harmful bacteria left after brushing and flossing. Choose a mouthwash that fits your needs, whether it’s a fluoride mouthwash for extra strength or a regular kind to eliminate harmful bacteria. Incorporating this step after using the dental floss can elevate your oral hygiene routine, keeping your teeth clean and reducing any risks of gum inflammation.
4- Maintaining A Healthy Diet
Your diet plays a significant role in maintaining strong teeth and avoiding oral health issues. Sugary foods, acidic foods, and sugary drinks must all be limited to a minimum consumption, as they create the perfect habitat for harmful bacteria to grow. A well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables to clean your teeth and gums the natural way is the best way to go. Crunchy fruits like apples and antioxidant-rich foods like berries, pomegranates, and oranges contribute the most among other types.
Drinking water regularly can also wash away food debris and reduce starchy foods’ harmful effects on the teeth. By wisely making your dietary choices, you can support a healthy smile and promote better overall health.
5- Quit Smoking & Alcohol
Smoking and alcohol pose various threats to your oral health. In order to provide the ultimate protection for it, consumption of such substances must be limited. Tobacco contains harmful chemicals that not only stain the teeth but also irritate the gums, leading to severe conditions such as periodontal disease. This makes smokers far more susceptible to tooth loss and more dangerous diseases such as oral cancer.
On the other hand, alcohol is highly acidic, making it the perfect beverage to weaken the enamel, paving the way for tooth decay and increased sensitivity. If consumed regularly, it can also dry out the mouth, reducing saliva flow and creating the ideal environment for harmful bacteria to thrive. By eliminating these two habits, you’ll be taking a significant step toward healthier teeth and gums, improving your overall oral hygiene habits, and protecting your smile.
Three Bonus Oral Health Tips
For even better oral care, consider these extra care steps that will give you a cleaner mouth and healthier teeth.
Bonus Tip 1:
Even with the best daily habits, regular visits to a dental professional are a must. Dental visits every six months for professional cleaning and regular dental check-ups ensure that any potential problems are detected and resolved in the early stages. Only a professional dental cleaning can remove plaque that at-home brushing and flossing can’t.
In addition, these dental professionals are able to provide all the guidance needed, tailored to your oral health needs. Schedule dental appointments regularly to stay on top of your dental health and remember, these regular visits are not just about maintaining a healthy mouth—they’re also about preserving your overall well-being.
Bonus Tip 2:
Another simple yet effective addition to your at-home oral care routine is chewing sugar-free gum. It helps remove pieces of food stuck between the teeth, stimulates saliva flow, and offers a refreshing boost whenever you’re done with a meal at Midday and brushing isn’t possible.
Bonus Tip 3:
Lastly, don’t forget your tongue! While overlooked by many, scientific evidence shows that it plays a crucial part in providing a fertile ground for oral bacteria to grow. Use a tongue scraper to reduce harmful bacteria and keep your breath fresh.
Small changes like these can significantly impact your oral health, ensuring that your smile stays bright and beautiful for years to come.
Dr. Nabil Mockbil, DDS, BDS
Dr. Nabil Mockbil is the head of Swedish Dental Clinic and one of the most experienced orthodontists in Dubai. By demonstrating incredible skills and embracing a kind attitude, he's proven to be not just a brilliant dentist, but someone you can fully trust with your smile. With 20+ years of experience under his belt and a warm smile on his face, you're search for the best orthodontist in Dubai ends with him.
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