Good oral hygiene is essential for overall wellness. Not only will it give you a radiant smile, but it will prevent any of the myriads of dental illnesses from cavities to gum diseases, and bad breath, among others. Whether you want to improve your dental care routine or simply how to keep your teeth in top shape, here are 5 ways to take care for your teeth along with product recommendations to help you achieve the best results.
1. Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
One of the easiest steps for good oral hygiene is brushing your teeth twice a day. This action removes parts of food, plaque, and bacteria that you ingest throughout the day which can cling to the inner walls of your teeth and gums. Plaque eventually turns into tartar when it cannot be brushed away, hence promoting tooth decay and gum disease.
Steps in Brushing
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Angulate your toothbrush to 45 degrees with your gums and brush gently in a circular motion.
- Brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the outer, inner, and chewing areas.
- Take at least two minutes to brush and reach all parts of your mouth.
- Brush your tongue for all the bacteria and fresh breath.
Best Things to Buy
Sensodyne Pronamel Toothpaste: Enamel protector and strengthener.
Oral-B Pro 2 Electric Toothbrush: Removes plaque more effectively, and is a timed toothbrush that allows you to brush for the optimal two minutes.
Colgate Total Toothpaste: Protects against bacteria for 12 hours and helps your mouth feel clean overall in your gums.
2. Floss Daily to Remove Hidden Plaque
Many individuals avoid the flossing part of a daily oral hygiene routine, and what they do not know is that it is as equally important as brushing. Flossing enables you to clean areas that your toothbrush cannot reach, removing food particles and plaque from the area. Unchecked plaque between the teeth could cause cavities and gum diseases if left unattended.
How to Use Floss Correctly
- Cut to about 18 inches of dental floss and wrap around your middle fingers.
- Glide the floss between your teeth and curve it around each tooth in a ‘C’ shape to dislodge plaque.
- Always floss under the gum line, not forcing the floss as this will irritate the gums.
3. Use Mouthwash for Additional Protection
Mouthwash is one of those good ways to enhance an oral hygiene routine. Mouthwash has been shown to be associated with a reduction in plaque, fresher breath, and reaching parts of the mouth that brushing and flossing may miss. In some cases, mouthwashes also carry fluoride that can strengthen the teeth and protect them from cavities.
How to Use Mouthwash
- Dilute about 20ml of mouthwash in a glass following brushing and flossing.
- Swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds and spit it out.
- Do not rinse with water immediately after mouthwash, since it still allows the protective ingredients to continue working.
Best Products to Buy
Listerine Total Care Mouthwash: Strengthens teeth and cuts plaque while freshening breath with six benefits in one.
Corsodyl Daily Mouthwash: Ideal for individuals afflicted with gum problems, it reduces plaque and keeps the gums healthy.
Sensodyne Cool Mint Mouthwash: Best for sensitive teeth; protects against acid wear and helps strengthen of enamel.
4. Limit Sugary and Acidic Foods
Of course, diet plays a big role in your oral hygiene. Sadly, too much sugar and acidity can erode the enamel of the teeth-remember you get cavities and rotting, which is why sugary snacks encourage bad bacteria to produce acid that eats into the enamel. Acidic foods such as citrus fruits and soda gradually ‘wear away’ enamel over time.
Healthy Diet Ideas for Healthy Teeth
- Limit your consumption of sweet fizzy drinks such as soft drinks and fruit juices.
- Wait at least 30 minutes before you brush when you are consuming acidic foods so that you do not brush away the softened enamel.
- Consume tooth-friendly foods such as dairy, many greens, and crunchy vegetables, that clean the teeth naturally during consumption.
Recommended Products to Buy
Sugar-Free Chewing Gum (with Xylitol)
Assists in balancing acids and stimulating the saliva, which effectively washes away food particles and aids in building up teeth
Provides an additional layer of protection to the enamel, even when acidic foods and drinks continually come into contact with the teeth
5. Visit Your Dentist for Regular Maintenance
Even with the best oral hygiene routine at home, you still need to see your dentist periodically to get cleanings and check-ups. A good dentist can catch evidence of cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems that may elude you. Professional cleaning removes tartar, hardened plaque that cannot be removed through brushing and flossing.
How Often Do You Need to See a Dentist?
- Schedule a routine check-up and cleaning at your dentist every six months.
- If you have chronically bad teeth, for instance, periodontitis or recurrent caries, then you might need to visit your dentist more frequently.
- Your dentist will recommend a few of the treatments, such as fluoride treatments or sealants that can prevent cavities.
Best Products to Use Between Visits:
Oral-B Pro-Expert Toothbrush: It delivers deep cleaning to keep your smile healthy between your dentist visits.
Colgate Total Pro Gum Health Floss: Quick and easy flossing, convenient for those looking for a deeper clean.
Colgate Peroxyl Mouthwash: Aids in soothing minor mouth irritations so your gums heal between appointments.
The Final Word
Healthy teeth are not rocket science. The right products make the difference in achieving the greatest possible results in oral health and a brighter smile. These 5 ways to take care of your teeth include brushing, flossing, using mouthwash, limiting sugary foods, and visiting your dentist regularly. Remember, good oral hygiene habits form the foundation of a healthy mouth. And with such quality products for dental care, you will know your smile is protected for years to come.
Browse through our wide range of dental care products to support your oral health today.
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