An effective dental hygiene routine is about far more than brushing and flossing your teeth. In order to maintain your oral health and to keep your teeth and gums disease-free, follow the simple steps below.
Regular Professional Checkups & Cleanings
Regular visits to the dentist (that’s every six months for most people) are extremely important to maintaining good oral health.
Your dentist has the tools and expertise necessary to remove any plaque and tartar buildup that you're unable to remove yourself, regardless of how well you brush and floss.
Your dentist can also identify any dental problems as they're developing, and treat them before they get worse. Gum disease, cavities and even abnormalities such as tumors and cysts are often not noticeable in their early stages to the untrained eye, so it's important to get your mouth evaluated regularly by a dental professional.
Brushing
Brush your teeth for at least two minutes, two or three times a day. For a really thorough brushing, spend 30 seconds brushing each “quadrant” of your jaws (upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left). Brush all the exposed surfaces, including the sides and biting surfaces, of each tooth.
Pro Tip: Try an electric toothbrush
Electric toothbrushes make it easier to clean your teeth because they require less effort than manual brushes. Electric toothbrushes perform the brushing movement for you. For optimal results, choose an electric toothbrush with a round rotating head, as this mimics the ideal circular brushing motion. The small size of the head also makes it easier to brush those awkward, hard to reach places.
Flossing
You should floss your teeth before bed each night. Flossing dislodges food debris and plaque that builds up between your teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach.
Insert the floss between two of your teeth and run it up and down the side of each tooth, pulling the floss into a “c” shape. Go slowly and be thorough, flossing between every two teeth.
Diet
Eating a healthy diet rich in calcium, is important when it comes to keeping your teeth healthy from the inside. Keep sugars and starches to a minimum, since oral bacteria thrive on these.
Hydration
Did you know that drinking enough water can help prevent cavities? Staying hydrated will help you maintain a sufficient saliva flow, and saliva washes away food debris and particles that would otherwise collect on your teeth and allow bacteria to thrive.
Supplementary Hygiene Aids
Oral hygiene aids can add an extra boost to your brushing and flossing routine. Some good supplementary aids include mouthwash, tongue cleaners, interdental cleaners, and oral irrigators.
These aids can help to keep your breath fresh and prevent plaque build up between brushing and flossing sessions. But remember that alone they are not sufficient replacements for a thorough brushing and flossing routine.
Eliminating Your Bad Habits
Certain bad habits can cause cavities, even if they are not directly related to oral hygiene. Chewing your fingernails or hard objects like pen caps can damage your dental enamel, making it easier for cavities to form in those damaged spots.
Snacking between meals also gives bacteria more opportunities to build up.
Smoking can cause a variety of oral health problems. Smoking hinders the ability of your mouth to fight infection, making it easier for bacteria to multiply, which in turn can result in cavities and gum disease. It also increases your risk of oral cancer.