Daily Tips for Good Oral Hygiene
Teeth play an important role in your overall appearance. Good teeth can leave a lasting impression with someone even if you have only met them once. Whether you like it or not, someone has made some judgments about your teeth at some point in your life. So why do people not care as much about their teeth, as they do their face? In this article your trusted Vancouver dentist will give you some easy tips that will help you improve your oral health.
In order to understand how you can better maintain your teeth, it’s important to understand what causes an unhealthy mouth.
What is plaque?
Plaque is a sticky layer of material that contains bacteria, which accumulates on teeth and in places where your toothbrush can’t reach. A lot of the food you may be eating can cause the bacteria in your mouth to produce acids. The obvious food culprits are sugars, but foods such as starches can also cause plaque buildup. Plaque also creates substances that irritate gums, making them sensitive and susceptible to bleeding.
How do you get rid of plaque?
There are a few ways to get rid of plaque effectively. “I forgot to brush my teeth” or “I didn’t have time” are common excuses dentists hear all the time. They aren’t good excuses, and they certainly aren’t doing your teeth any favours. The most important thing to do is to establish a routine. The best way to get rid of plaque is by brushing and flossing between your teeth everyday. Brushing removes plaque from the surfaces of your teeth, while flossing cleans the other areas (in between your teeth) where the toothbrush can’t reach.
Here is a simple routine you can follow every day to achieve perfect oral hygiene.
These simple steps should be performed in the morning after breakfast and at night before bed.
Brush: Following your morning breakfast, brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes with a soft-bristled brush and antimicrobial toothpaste containing fluoride. Fluoride helps protect your teeth from decay. Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums. Make sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth including the insides and chewing surfaces. A good way to keep track of what areas you have brushed is to split your mouth into quadrants (upper left, upper right, lower left, lower right). Brush your tongue to remove any bacteria and freshen breath.
Floss: After you have brushed your teeth, it’s time to floss. Take about 18 inches of floss and wind it around the middle finger on each hand. Floss between each tooth using a gentle rubbing motion. When the floss reaches the gum line, form a c shape against one tooth. Be careful when flossing in order to avoid damage to your gums. Hold the floss tightly against each tooth, gently rubbing the side of the tooth and moving the floss away from the gum line with up and down motions.
Rinse: Finally, rinse your mouth with an antimicrobial mouth rinse. This will eliminate any remaining bacteria after the brushing and flossing. Fluoride rinses also help to protect against tooth decay.
Some products may work better for you than others. Always consult your dentist so they can recommend a product that will be right for you.
Lastly, performing this routine alone will not guarantee that your teeth are as healthy as they can be. It is recommended that you see your dentist for a hygiene appointment at least 2 times a year.