There's more to having a beautiful smile than simply taking care of your teeth and flossing.
You are perhaps already aware of the basic dental care measures that one needs to follow regularly. Here, let’s take a closer look at how you can make your oral hygiene routine more effective.
1. Wait Before You Brush
If you are accustomed to beginning your day with a glass of orange juice, then it is better to wait for a while before brushing.
Your best bet is to avoid brushing your teeth immediately after you've consumed citrus fruits and juices as well as soda or wine.
Studies have shown that brushing immediately after consuming food or drinks that are acidic can wear off the enamel and make your teeth weak. Therefore, it's ideal to wait for at least 30 to 60 minutes before brushing your teeth.
2. Switch to a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
You're probably aware that it's best to replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months (or earlier if bristles are damaged). However, if you're using a stiff or a hard brush, consider changing it right away.
The medium and firm bristles of a toothbrush can leave your teeth feeling healthier, however, it is important to know that they can also be extremely abrasive and can damage your tooth enamel over time.
Therefore, it is ideal to switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and use low pressure while brushing. Place the brush at a 45-degree angle against the gum line, and use brief circular motions.
3. Begin by Brushing The Back
While brushing, it is common that you miss out on the areas at the back of your oral cavity that are difficult to reach out to. To avoid this, you should start brushing from the back.
This habit can result in you doing better at getting those difficult spots cleaned up. This is crucial because all those crevices and corners in your molars make them more prone to cavities and gum diseases.
4. Add a Mouthwash to Your Oral Care Routine
If you're brushing twice a day and flossing regularly, you might assume that you're doing enough. However, you need an antimicrobial mouthwash in your daily oral care as it’s an effective way to get rid of harmful bacteria in the mouth and it also gives you a fresh breath.
You can use a dentist-recommended mouthwash twice a day anytime in between your meals. Take the required amount of liquid in your mouth and swish it for around 30 seconds before spitting it out.
Remember that using mouthwash does not replace other oral care measures such as brushing or flossing.
5. Avoid Lingering on Sugary Drinks
Restricting the consumption of sweetened drinks helps improve your oral health. The sugar from these drinks latches onto your teeth and promotes the growth of the bacteria that are present in the oral cavity.
Instead of sugary beverages, switch to natural fruit juices that are less in their sugar content. In case you consume sugary drinks, make sure that you wash your mouth thoroughly afterwards.
6. Avoid Over Brushing
The old recommendation was to brush at least once after eating.
If you brush too frequently, it can damage your gums as well as the enamel on your teeth which is why you need not brush more than twice a day.
The best thing to do following each meal or snack is to wash your mouth with plain water. You can vigorously swish the water in your mouth pushing the liquid between your teeth to dislodge and break down all food particles left over in the oral cavity.
7. Choose Teeth-Whitening Foods
Certain foods actually can help improve the appearance of your teeth and make them brighter.
Foods that are high in fibre such as celery, cucumbers, apples, pears, carrots, and lettuce can help scrub the teeth surfaces and help remove some of the plaque that has accumulated between your teeth and gums.
8. Avoid Frequent Snacking
Frequent snacking can increase your chances of developing dental caries and gum problems.
It is also difficult to clean your oral cavity frequently between snacking, especially if you are outside home. Therefore, try to maintain proper meal timings and avoid constant snacking.
9. Clean Your Toothbrush Holder
When was the last time that you gave your toothbrush holder a proper scrub?
Yes! It is necessary to store your brushes in a clean place.
Make sure that you clean the toothbrush holder regularly to avoid any dirt or build-up of germs on your brushes. As your bathroom might contain more germs, it is better that you store your toothbrushes in an area outside it.
Disclaimer: This article is written by the Practitioner for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.