From childhood, we are taught how to take care of our oral cavity, and it is engraved in our minds. Tooth brushing remains the major pillar in maintaining good oral hygiene. But, is that the only way to prevent dental disasters? Do you think we are neglecting something? The answer is yes. Statistics from the National Institute of dental and craniofacial research says, over 79.7% of adults already have some degree of gum disease. And if you are above 40 years, it is almost certain. Neglecting to learn and practice basic oral hygiene methods have become the most common reason for dental disasters. The common dental neglects are as follows.
Brushing
- Brush your teeth twice a day. Once in the morning immediately after waking up, and once at night before you go to bed.
- Brush your teeth for at least two minutes, time yourself using a timer. Brush every part of the mouth and not just your smile zone.
- Switch to electric toothbrushes, as they remove twice as much plaque and are much more effective than manual toothbrushes.
- Do not share toothbrushes with others, because saliva contains microorganisms that can cause infections.
- Change your toothbrushes once every three months.
Toothpaste:
- Use only a pea-size toothpaste every time you brush your teeth.
- Go for fluoride toothpaste, after consulting your dentist. Excess fluoride has harmful effects on the teeth.
- Use whitening toothpaste occasionally, because regular use can cause dental abrasion, which is the loss of enamel. Professional teeth whitening is always safe.
Tongue Cleaning:
- Clean your tongue with a plastic and blunt tongue cleaner, or with the back of the head of the manual toothbrush.
Flossing:
- Floss at least once a day. Flossing might sound irrelevant and annoying, but it is something essential to kick the bacteria sitting in between the teeth.
Mouthwash:
- As for mouthwashes, it is an add-on to brushing and flossing to cleanse your mouth.
- Use non-alcoholic mouthwashes and rinse at least for a minute.
Toothpicks:
- Toothpicks produce a wedging action in between your teeth and damage your gums in an attempt to remove any trapped food.
- Instead, use interdental brushes available over the counter in various sizes. They are easy to use and prevent gum damage.
Acid Attack:
- Acidic food and drinks cause dental erosion, so wait half an hour for the mouth's pH to get normal.
- Rinse your mouth with water after every meal. Carbohydrate-rich diet eventually ends up in sugar, it reacts with the bacteria and produces acid which damages teeth.
Dental Checkup:
- Only a very less percentage of people visit the dentist twice a year or more. People wait until the problem worsens.
- Being lazy to look after your teeth means letting your health down. So, consult your dentist at least twice a year.
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