Your smile can indicate your overall health and well-being. If you have a great smile, you can confidently face anyone. But you will only have a bright smile if you practice proper oral care.
Some of the most basic oral health practices include brushing and flossing. However, you can flash the best smile if you follow these essential oral care techniques.
Brushing For Better Teeth
You can get the best oral health if you have a clean set of teeth. If you can keep the area where your teeth are attached to your gums, you may avoid having gum diseases. Regular teeth cleaning through brushing can also help you get rid of cavities and plaque build-ups.
When brushing, you need to keep these efficient tooth brushing habits in mind:
#1: Brush Twice a DayÂ
Clean your teeth and gums in the morning and before going to bed. But when you brush your teeth, you must avoid rushing to achieve a cleaner mouth. A two-minute brushing session can help you eliminate most dirt and grime. You must also clean your tongue with your toothbrush or tongue scraper to remove the bacteria.
#2: Brush ProperlyÂ
You must learn how to hold the toothbrush at a slightly tilted angle. The bristles must aim towards the gum lining to remove the plaque. You also need to brush gently using circular back and forth motions. If you brush too hard, you may put your gums at risk of bleeding.
#3: Keep Your Brush CleanÂ
Always practice cleaning your toothbrush with clean water after each brushing. You must also store your toothbrush in a clean spot and position it in an upright position to let it air-dry until your next session. It is also best to separate your brush from the other toothbrushes in your household to avoid cross-contamination. It is also best to replace your toothbrush every three months or less.
Floss ProperlyÂ
Even with regular brushing, getting rid of all the debris and food particles that reach the tight spaces between your teeth could be challenging. With the help of proper flossing, you can remove as much dirt as possible. Each time you floss, you must remember to keep these techniques in mind:
#1: Never SkimpÂ
Get at least 18 inches of dental floss for every session. Wind the two ends of the floss around the middle fingers of both hands. Grip the floss tightly between your thumbs and your pointer fingers.
#2: Remain Gentle
Let the floss move between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Never snap the floss in the gums to avoid cutting it. Make a C shape when it reaches the gum line.
#3: Treat One Tooth at a TimeÂ
Use your floss to rub the side of the tooth gently using an up-and-down motion. If you have a hard time handling the strands of floss, you may choose to use an interdental cleaner like a pre-threaded flosser, a dental pick, or tiny brushes.
Other Essential Oral Health Tips
Aside from proper brushing and flossing, it is also important to use mouthwash to kill the germs and bacteria inside the mouth. Healthy eating also strengthens the teeth, while getting rid of vices like smoking can help protect your teeth from blemishes and discolouration.
It is also crucial to visit your dentist at least twice a year, especially if you notice visible signs of infection. Red or swollen gums, sensitivity to hot and cold, and persistent bad breath are obvious indicators that you need a dental emergency. So always make it a point to practice the right techniques for oral care all the time.