5 Tips to improve your Oral Health
1) Proper Brushing
One of the easiest ways to maintain a good oral hygiene is to adopt proper brushing techniques. A continuous back and forth brushing technique does no good and can lead to cervical abrasion of teeth. Cervical abrasion causes enamel to wear off resulting in increased sensitivity. Place the brush at 45-degree angle so that the bristles are partly on the teeth and partly on the gums, now use back-and-forth, up-and-down motion. Make sure it’s done gently in order to avoid bleeding. Brush your tongue and the roof of the mouth gently to remove microbes or any debris that may cause bad breath. Brushing twice in a day is a must; however, if your work or activities prevent you from doing this, thoroughly rinse your mouth with mouthwash or with water post eating.
2) Flossing
Flossing removes food debris and prevents plaque buildup while it’s still soft. When debris stays on the tooth surface for a longer time, it forms a thin layer of bacterial bio-film which sticks onto the surface of the teeth. Flossing at night is fine for most people, but if you are prone to gum diseases then it is recommended that you floss in the morning as well.
3) Mouthwash
Use of a mouthwash is a must for a complete oral hygiene. A therapeutic mouthwash usually contains special ingredients that strengthen teeth.It helps to treat many oral conditions preventing plaque buildup in between your teeth, on your gums and on the surfaces of the tooth that are difficult to access in normal brushing techniques. Mouthwash also contains fluoride which prevents caries and strengthens the outer layer of tooth “Enamel”. Not all mouthwash contains fluoride, so talk to your dentist for a mouthwash that suits best for you. With proper brushing technique, flossing and regular use of mouthwash you can keep your mouth healthy and smelling fresh.
4) Avoid Tobacco
All of us know that smoking is bad for health, so it should be no surprise that cigarettes and chewing tobacco are also harmful to your oral health. Cigarettes smoke contains chemicals that are known to cause cancer. Smoking reduces the blood flow to your gums, reduces the level of vitamin C which is needed to keep your gums healthy. Smoking also raises the temperature in the mouth, damaging and killing important cells.
5) Eat a healthy diet
Make sure your diet has a good amount of Calcium and Vitamin D which are important for maintaining the health of gums and teeth. Copper, iron, zinc, potassium are also required for maintaining healthy dental hygiene. Add milk, orange juice, yogurt, broccoli, cheese and other dairy products. You can also take calcium supplements but consult your physician before you start on any supplements.
