On The Spot Smiles: The Best Practices in Oral and Dental Hygiene 

Your health is one of the things we constantly need to take care of,  and the same could be said for your teeth and gums. As part of your body, taking care of your dental hygiene goes a long way in boosting your confidence and long-term health. There are many ways to effectively do this, which begs the question: What best practices can you do to keep your gums and teeth healthy? 

Fortunately, this article collates the best dental hygiene practices out there and boils it all down to an easy-to-read guide. If you’re having dental hygiene troubles or looking to improve your health, read more below to kickstart a better and healthier you.

The Importance of Oral Hygiene

Oral and dental hygiene is, by nature,  preventive care. While you can’t stop diseases from coming in, at least with optimal care, you can minimize their effects and speed up healing and recovery. This is highly important since your mouth hosts millions of bacteria that could easily infect your gums when given a chance. 

A study conducted in Melbourne analyzed the dental health of individuals aged 60 years and above. Results showed that most of the participants are undergoing dental care or have shown signs of needing dental intervention.

That study alone currently encompasses a specific sample demographic and is limited to Melbourne residents. So, if you’re in Melbourne or neighbouring areas, Visit Dr Rita’s Dental + Skin Clinic to check up on your health. 

Prevention is always better than cure. With the practices discussed below, you can protect your oral health and minimize such issues in the future. 

Brush First Before Going to Bed

It’s no secret that most dentists recommend brushing at least twice a day or every after mealtime. That said, most of us tend to neglect brushing before bedtime.

The thing about brushing before bedtime is that during your 5 to 8 hours of sleeping, your body stays inactive and allows plaque and bacteria to grow, which is why some of us may be experiencing bad breath when waking up. That said, a good brush before bedtime minimizes bacterial growth and removes plaque you’ve accumulated prior, leading to a night of better sleep and a smile.

Never Forget Your Tongue

Your tongue also deserves the same level of care as your teeth and gums, as neglecting it will undoubtedly lead to foul odor and other related problems. As part of your brushing routine, take a few seconds to brush your tongue to spit out any filth gently. 

For maximum effect, try using brushes with a tongue cleaner on their back or a dedicated tongue scraper to remove layers of plaque and minimize lousy odour effectively. Remember that the tongue is a part of your hygiene, and giving a few seconds of care can bring a lot to the table.

Brush With Flouride

Choosing a proper toothpaste is as vital as choosing a brush for your teeth. While most kinds of toothpaste come with myriad flavours and other perks, remember to use one that contains fluoride. 

For many, fluoride is the most effective component in maximizing dental care. Its properties remove most plaque and germ buildup and encase your teeth with a protective barrier to further minimize germ growth. So whether you choose instant-whitening or flavourful toothpaste, ensure it has fluoride, and the rest can be picked through your preferences.

Use Dental Floss

Most of the time, food bits and plaque accumulate in areas where regular brushing can’t reach, like between your teeth or gums; this is where flossing comes in. 

Dental floss is effective against hard-to-reach places and ensures teeth are cleaned thoroughly inside and outside. Although not everyone uses or wants to use floss, it’s empirical that you at least try to incorporate it in most of your brushing sessions. 

To get you started, try practising using floss at your home, or use ready-to-use flossers with disposable handles to make flossing faster. Remember that a simple floss goes a long way in dealing with potential diseases brought by unreachable plaques and germ growth.

Check In With Your Dentist

It would help if you did an oral checkup every six months, and for a good reason. As mentioned earlier, oral and dental care is preventive and works best in dealing with potential problems before they grow into full-blown diseases. That said, keeping a bi-annual schedule with your dentist is equally important. 

Even if you’re brushing regularly, a quick visit to the dentist will inform you about your dental status and can detect complications that you can address early on. If you want to keep your dental health on top, a visit from the dentist is the best way to go.

Final Thoughts

Oral and dental care mainly comprises preventive measures and protecting your teeth and gums against potential complications. Their effectiveness depends on your willingness to create healthy eating habits and cleaning routines.

The above points are some of the simplest ways to improve oral and dental hygiene. And as long as you follow them, you will always have that radiant smile teeming with confidence.