Taking good care of your teeth, gums, and entire mouth is vital in promoting overall health and ensuring self-confidence. Failure to heed this valuable advice could lead to various health problems, such as teeth and gum disease, diabetes, and heart disease. Some people avoid going to the dentist because of small difficulties, but pain and other indicators are clear indicators that urgent dental care is required. The deterioration of teeth and gums can lead to cavities, loose teeth, and infection, ultimately leading to pain and loss of teeth. For parents keen on helping their children enjoy good oral health now and, in the future, getting the child to follow good oral hygiene practices while young helps reinforce the valuable lessons and prevent future health problems.
Visiting the dental professional regularly for checkups and routine dental care is one of the most crucial practices. The oral hygiene services offered at Dental Hygiene Services North York include new patients’ examinations consultations and kid-friendly dentistry.
Other dental treatments provided at the facility include:
- Oral care screening
- Pit and fissure sealants
- Implants
- tooth-colored fillings
- orthodontic procedures
- emergency dental care.
Here are the top 9 best ways to help you practice hygiene at the convenience of your home.
- Brush your teeth regularly using the appropriate technique
Dentists always encourage people to brush their teeth two times a day to eliminate bacteria and plaque buildup. When brushing your teeth, remember to apply proper cleaning techniques, such as small circular motions, and ensure all the teeth are covered. Avoid brushing the teeth too hard using a toothbrush with stiff bristles, which could cause teeth and enamel to wear out quickly.
- Floss at least once a day
Flossing should be encouraged as an effective strategy for eliminating plaque and bacteria that cause bad breath, teeth discoloration, gum disease, and tartar buildup. Tartar usually develops when plaque is unremoved. Dental floss is also helpful in reaching hidden bits of food and debris, thereby eliminating the bad breath and keeping the teeth clean. The technique works well when combined with brushing.
- Use fluoride
Although regular brushing of teeth and flossing are essential in maintaining proper oral health, they do little to prevent tooth decay. Dentists worldwide recommend using fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash to fight the cavity. Fluoride is taken through the piped water consumed at home in certain jurisdictions.
- Limit the uptake of sugary foods
High sugar consumption can easily lead to cavities and adverse dental outcomes. The list includes desserts, candy, and processed foods that contain added sugar. Also, avoid starchy foods such as chips and crackers that promote the growth of bacteria. You can replace these foods with vegetables, fiber-rich fruits, and low-sugar dietary products.
- Remember to clean the tongue.
Cleaning the tongue is essential since plaque can build up around the surface and spread to other mouth areas. You can perform the cleaning effectively by brushing the tongue when brushing the teeth. The cleanup also helps eliminate odor from the mouth and other oral problems.
- Avoid smoking
Studies show smoking can cause serious harm to a person’s health. One of the risks is diminished immune system response, leading to a delayed tissue healing process. The other undesirable effects of smoking are yellowing teeth and tongues and bad breath. Other studies show smoking is a risk factor for gum disease.
- Use a mouthwash
It is necessary to recognize that you should use mouthwash alongside brushing and flossing to achieve better results. Regular mouthwash with an antibacterial ingredient, namely chlorhexidine used to control plaque and gingivitis, should be encouraged in good oral practice. Some mouthwashes also have essential oils that promote good oral health.
- Drink more water
Water is an essential beverage for promoting oral health and general human health as it helps wash down sticky and acidic foods with the potential for causing oral problems. You can make this habit stick by drinking water after every meal. Remember, water should not be substituted by sugar-sweetened beverages that contain harmful added sugars.
- Visit the dentist regularly.
Dental experts often encourage people to visit the dentist every six months for examination as an ongoing oral health assessment. During the visit, a hygienist working at the dental office will perform teeth cleaning and plaque removal as part of a routine dental examination. In some cases, the dentist can order an x-ray to identify hidden oral issues, including cavities and even oral cancer. Several insurance companies offer dental checkups in their dental coverage. If your cover has this provision, make a point of using it to your advantage to enjoy good oral health and prevent gingivitis and frequent cavities.
