Keeping and maintaining good oral hygiene
Carrying out and following good oral hygiene is the essential building block and requirement to any person’s health. In our latest article we look to consider what can constitute this by considering a range of factors which occur inside and outside the mouth.
Everybody has probably heard advice about the way you should brush, how long for etc. Many people think that this is enough, but as we will see later it is only part of the picture. For the avoidance of doubt and for clarity, we as dentists recommend that teeth be cleaned in the following ways:
1A) Brush twice and day (but no more than 3 times a day) for around 2 minutes each time.
1B) Pay attention to all areas of the mouth. Think of your mouth and teeth as four different areas. The upper left and right sections and the lower left and right sections. Simple maths says you should be spending about 30 seconds on each. Remember to also include time for cleaning the gum line in this calculation. It is recommended you clean your teeth with the brush at a titled angle to ensure adequate coverage of all areas.
1C) Teeth should be brushed in gentle stroke motions rather than with excessive force. Using a soft toothbrush often produces better results and is likely to do less damage to the teeth.
1D) Don’t forget your tongue and use mouthwash and floss once finished.
These steps sound comprehensive enough, so it is no wonder many people think that doing this alone is sufficient. The fact can sometimes be that despite best intentions many people don’t actually clean their teeth adequately, which further lowers the protection and purpose of good oral hygiene. Even if you get a gold star for this there is plenty more you need to do and our remaining tips will ensure your oral hygiene routine is enhanced to the best possible level.
(Aswell as cleaning your teeth comprehensively…)
2A)…you need to make sure you visit the dentist. Dentists do more than just clean teeth. They can detect problems which the patient cannot see or be trained to spot and these visits could even help prevent serious problems from developing.
2B) …make sure age is no barrier or excuse to your oral hygiene routine. Studies show that certain age groups (e.g. children or the elderly) do not visit the dentist as much as others. These are the stages in life when it is most important to ensure you are visiting a clinic.
2C) …ensure you cut down on problem substances including fizzy drinks and smoking which can all help to drag your oral health down.
2D) …take active steps to change your diet to include more friendly food and drinks which will not only help your hygiene routine but your health generally. For example, drink milk for strong teeth, or eat plenty of vegetables and Vitamin C ensuring your gums are working and functioning correctly.
One way of knowing whether you have good oral hygiene is whether you follow all the things mentioned above and whether you can answer positively answer the following questions:
* Are you experiencing any kind of tooth problems or pain?
* Are your teeth white and free from a build-up of plaque and bacteria?
* Are your gums a healthy colour and not red, swollen or bleeding?
If you are satisfied with this, chances are you are doing a great job, so keep up the good work!
To find out more details or to talk to us, find all our details on the contact us page.