Maintaining good oral and dental hygiene is very important and takes hard work. There are many basic misconceptions that we will address here. Bad dental hygiene causes tooth decay, pain, bad breath, tooth loss, and loss of self-confidence.
Having good oral hygiene is important because studies show that bad oral hygiene increases the chance of developing systemic diseases in the future. Here are ways to take good care of your teeth and gums:
Brush your Teeth Twice a Day
It is recommended by dentists to brush your teeth twice a day. This is especially important at night because if you do not brush your teeth after having dinner, the bacteria have plenty of time to thrive in your teeth overnight. It is also important to at least brush your teeth after every meal without toothpaste.
In addition to this, properly brushing your teeth is important as well. Take your toothbrush and put a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on it. Now brush in a circular motion, taking your time with each tooth and brush for 2 minutes. Hum a song or a tune while you are doing this to count for 2 minutes. It is important to not forget the back of your teeth and your tongue because plaque buildup also occurs on your tongue which leads to bad breath.
Floss Once a Day
Dentist in Karachi recommend flossing once a day. You can add this to your nighttime routine right after brushing your teeth. Flossing your teeth is good for your gum health. It cleans the gums, gets small pieces of food out in between your teeth and reduces plaques, and prevents inflammation.
Use Fluoride in Toothpaste
Fluoride is an excellent compound to maintain healthy teeth and prevent decay. Toothpaste containing fluoride is recommended by dentists because this fights the bacteria that cause tooth decay and forms a protective layer around your teeth. Always remember to spit out your toothpaste containing fluoride because the effects of this on the body are still under observation.
Use a Mouthwash
Adding mouthwash to your daily oral health routine is a good habit. Mouthwash has several benefits including cleaning the areas of the gums that may be inaccessible to cleaning by a toothbrush, it reduces the acidity in the mouth and preventing tooth decay and it remineralizing teeth, therefore, restoring balance in your oral cavity. Using mouthwash once a day according to the instructions on the particular mouthwash brand is important.
Avoid Sugar Rich Food and Drinks
It is no secret that food and snacks rich in sugar and starch are the cause of plaque formation and tooth decay. The sugar in candies and desserts and the starchy food such as pasta all break down into sugars that are food for acid-producing bacteria. This acid in turn causes damage to the teeth’ enamel and leads to tooth decay. Similarly, acid-rich fruits and sugary drinks also cause the same thing. It is important to be mindful when eating this food and limit them in your diet. Always brush your teeth after consuming them.
Quit Smoking
Smoking has an overall negative effect on your body and it has the same effect on your teeth as well. Smoking affects the appearance of your teeth and tongue and turns them yellow. It gives you bad breath and causes tooth decay. Smoking is the cause of gum disease and slows the healing process of your gums after a dental procedure.
Regular Dental Checkup
Regular dental checkup twice a year is recommended. This is for a regular checkup on the overall health of your teeth and to clean your teeth as needed. If there is any problem noticed by your dentist they will treat it accordingly and keep your oral and dental hygiene up to date.
Conclusion
Taking care of your teeth and gums should be an essential practice and it should be a part of your everyday routine. Brushing twice a day and doing it properly, flossing every day, avoiding sugar and starch, and having regular dental checkups are key to having perfectly healthy teeth and thus a perfect healthy body. To get a dental checkup refer to a dentist like Dr. Zubair Ahmad Abbasi.
