10 Tips for Proper Dental Hygiene

Do you brush your teeth? This is a no-brainer, isn’t it? Hopefully, the great majority of people will answer “yes” to this question. But, if you ask that same group of people whether they brush enough or whether they have proper dental hygiene, the answers will be far more varied.

In 2017, research has shown that 59% of people in the UK brush their teeth twice a day. However, almost 30% of UK citizens do this only once a day. This means that a refresher course on dental hygiene is more than welcome.

Let’s start with 10 tips of proper dental hygiene and take it from there.

1. Brush at Least Twice a Day

We have already seen the numbers about how many times a day people in the UK brush their teeth. Surely, over half of them do it twice a day, but is that enough? In a way, it is. Twice a day is a bare minimum.

That evening brush removes the bacteria that will find a fertile ground to multiply overnight. Also, without brushing in the evening, you are increasing the chances for the plaque buildup. Getting lazy before bedtime just doesn’t pay off. It is best to brush than to be sorry later.

2. Brush Enough and Well

Simply using the toothbrush to quickly go over your teeth won’t do the trick. You need to brush for at least two minutes to get the minimum of the required dental hygiene. Do you think you already brush for two minutes? Check again just to be sure. Set a timer on your phone or play a two-minute song until you are done. That will give you a better idea about time.

Also, your brushing technique is important. Start by placing your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the front of your teeth. Make brisk, short movements until you go over the front and the back of all your teeth. The next step is to brush the chewing part of your teeth.

To reach the inside parts of your teeth, use the brush vertically. You should brush your teeth with brisk movements, but always try and be gentle with your gums, as you can hurt them.

3. Don’t Forget about Your Tongue

Many people forget about cleaning their tongue when they perform their dental hygiene. After you are done with cleaning your teeth, take a moment to scrape the tongue, as well. Most toothbrushes have a surface that is designed for this type of cleaning. In that way, you will remove any bacteria that remained on the surface of your tongue and stop them from spreading.

4. Pick a Good Toothbrush

The bigger is not always the better. Especially when it comes to choosing a toothbrush. Most adults actually require not more than a small to medium sized toothbrush. The idea is to have a brush that is small enough to reach the molars and all their irregular surfaces.

Besides the brush head, there is also a question of bristle hardness. If you are choosing between two brushes, choose the one with softer bristles. Medium to soft bristles will work best for almost everyone.

Another thing to look out for is multi-angled brushes. With bristles that go in different angles, you will be able to reach all the spots that are otherwise difficult to clean.

5. Pick a Good Toothpaste

You should consult your dentist when picking out toothpaste. They know about the specific issues your teeth may have and they will give you their recommendations accordingly. In most cases, dentists will recommend a paste that contains fluoride. Check the contents of the toothpaste brands on the market and look for those that have in among their ingredients.

6. Always Floss

It is not enough to brush. You need to floss, as well. No matter how good your toothbrush is, it will most likely push some of the food bits in between your teeth. The most efficient way to get it all out is to floss. You will need the floss that is long enough so that you clean every tooth with an unused portion of your floss.

7. Use Mouthwash

You will clean the teeth with your brush, scrape your tongue and deal with space in between your teeth with floss. You just need to throw that last death punch and rid off all the bad bacteria in your mouth. The easiest way to do so is to use mouthwash. Mouthwash can prevent gingivitis and take care of your gums for you, as they are not that easy to clean with a brush.

8. Stay Hydrated

A glass of water after a meal is good for your oral hygiene. It will wash off foods that get stuck in your mouth. Also, it will deal with the acidic and sticky foods and you want them good from your oral cavity, as soon as possible.

9. Mind Your Diet

Everybody knows that eating sweets can cause cavities. However, if you want to have healthy teeth, you should do your best to limit sticky foods and those that are highly acidic. Acidic foods include fresh and processed meats, grains, fish, some dairy and similar produce.

Additionally, you should eat crunchy foods, rich in fibre. That will help you scrub the teeth and keep them clean.

10. Don’t Be a Stranger to Your Dentist

Even with the best possible dental hygiene, you can still have dental issues. This is why you need to get a regular checkup every 6 months, just to be sure. Your dentist will check if there are signs of any issues that should be prevented.

Regular dental hygiene that is done in a proper way, combined with mindfully planned meals and scheduled visits to the dentist will keep your teeth healthy. Do your bit and enjoy the privilege of having two rows of pearly whites and a shiny smile.