Things you already know
How often have you found yourself browsing through tips on oral hygiene and care? More often than not, you will find that your search yields results that you already know. Let’ look at some dental care tips you may already know.
- Brush after each meal or at least twice a day. Brushing after a meal helps remove any food particles left inside our mouth. It helps in the prevention of plaque.
- Brush for at least 2-3 minutes. Some of us brush in a jiffy. It is important that you brush your teeth thoroughly to prevent any bacterial growth.
- Brush after having starchy or fatty meals. Starchy, sugary, or fatty foods affect the teeth adversely. Try cleaning your mouth after every such intake.
- Floss once a day. While regular brushing helps remove food and plaque off the surface of our teeth, flossing helps remove them from places beyond the reach of a toothbrush. Flossing removes any food or plaque from between the teeth. There are two types of floss available in the market: waxed and regular. If regular floss does not reach between the teeth, use waxed floss.
- Use fluoride-based toothpaste. Fluoride is extremely affective in the removal of plaque off our teeth. Some states have fluoride in their water. Drinking and rinsing with such water are good for your teeth.
- Brush your teeth before going to bed. While we sleep, bacteria become active in our mouths. It is important to remove all traces of food from the mouth to prevent plaque.
- Go for a dental check-up every six months. Even if you think your teeth and gums are fine, go for a check-up regularly. Your dentist will help remove any build-up of plaque or tartar, apart from giving you good oral and dental advice.
- Eat healthy, balanced meals. A balanced diet is not only good for your skin, hair, and your overall health, but also for the pearly whites inside your mouth.
- Rinse your mouth after meals. Use a mouthwash if you cannot brush after every meal. A mouthwash is not only a refreshing solution, but also a cleansing agent. Invest in a good quality mouthwash.
- Brush your tongue periodically. Make it a habit to clean your tongue by brushing. You may not need a fancy tongue cleaner to do the job; a toothbrush works just fine.
- Change your toothbrush immediately if the bristles have worn out. Otherwise, make it a habit to change your brush every quarter.
- Get professional help for uneven, chipped, or stained teeth. Your dentist can help you with the shape, structure, and look of your teeth.
Happy smiling!