Dental hygiene is one of the most commonly neglected areas of general health. Dentists lay great emphasis on maintaining oral hygiene because neglect and poor dental hygiene can cause serious irreparable damage to teeth, gums and serious infections within the body. Teeth not only make us look good and feel confident but also are an important part of the digestive system as the food must be chewed and mixed properly in the mouth before it enters the digestive tract.
Here are a few simple tips which can be followed to maintain a good oral hygiene:
- Since childhood, we are told about the importance of brushing our teeth. But what is more important for a good oral hygiene is to properly brush them so that no bits of food or plaque are allowed to accumulate between the gaps. The correct way of brushing is to gently move the toothbrush in a circular motion to remove anything that may be stuck between the teeth. It is important to brush before going to sleep at night to remove germs and plaque which may have accumulated during the daytime.
- Most people brush their teeth but avoid flossing either because they are in a hurry or because they find it difficult. Flossing is needed to clean the more difficult areas within the mouth. The ready-to-use dental floss is easily available and is simple to use. One can use this to floss their teeth daily.
- Eating healthy is crucial to maintaining dental hygiene especially among children. Parents must avoid giving processed meals to kids regularly as it is mushy, high in sugar and gets stuck between the teeth easily. This can cause cavity, plaque and gingivitis. Children must be encouraged to consume fruits, crunchy vegetables and items low in sugar to exercise the jaws and keep the teeth healthy.
- Water is the best beverage for the human body. It not only keeps the digestive system healthy but also makes the mouth feel fresh and keeps it germ-free by washing off the remains of food that maybe there in the mouth after a meal. Drinking a glass of water after every meal reduces the negative effect of sticky and acidic food on teeth.
- Tongue cleansing is an essential part of maintaining oral hygiene. Plaque accumulates on the tongue over time if it is not removed regularly. This can cause bad breath, loss of taste and infections in the long run. The tongue must be cleaned once a day- this can be done by using a tongue cleaner or simply by brushing the tongue gently after the teeth have been brushed.
- Getting an overall dental check-up done twice a year is vital to ensure good oral hygiene. Dr. Jennifer Silver is a dentist who offers regular dental check-ups that you can avail. During a regular dental check-up, the dentist generally examines the teeth, gums and mouth carefully to look for signs of dental problems. Getting this checkup is important because if you have a dental problem then early detection is crucial to prevent it from aggravating.