Dental care and oral hygiene are often taken for granted or looked over. But we all know how bad breath can daunt an individual's personality and impression forever.
Thus, to help you keep these unwanted glitches away and lead a healthy lifestyle. The Nth Sense, brings for you the top 13 virtues to live by in order to keep that million dollar smile always shining!
1. Fluoride, not the bad guy!
When it comes to toothpaste, there are more important elements to look for than whitening power and flavors. No matter which version you choose, make sure it contains fluoride.
While fluoride has come under scrutiny by those worried about how it impacts other areas of health, this substance remains a mainstay in oral health. This is because fluoride is a leading defense against tooth decay. It works by fighting germs that can lead to decay, as well as providing a protective barrier for your teeth.
2. Munch up the crunch!
Ready-to-eat foods are convenient, but perhaps not so much when it comes to your teeth. Eating fresh, crunchy produce not only contains more healthy fiber, but it’s also the best choice for your teeth. Parents should get their kids on harder-to-eat and chew foods at a younger age.
Pro tip: Try to avoid the overly mushy processed stuff and stop cutting things into tiny pieces and get those jaws working!”
3. H2O it up!
Water continues to be the best beverage for your overall health — including oral health. Drink as much water as you can. We can’t stress this anymore!
Pro Tip: Drinking water after every meal can help wash out some of the negative effects of sticky and acidic foods and beverages in between brushes.
4. Two dates for a healthy smile!
Your own everyday habits are crucial to your overall oral health. Still, even the most dutiful brushers and flossers need to see a dentist regularly. At minimum, you should see your dentist for cleanings and checkups twice a year. Not only can a dentist remove calculus and look for cavities, but they will also be able to spot potential issues and offer treatment solutions.
5. It’s all in the technique!
A quick wash of your bristles isn't enough to banish leftover food particles and polish your teeth. Start with your brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and use short back and forth strokes across the sides and tops of your teeth. Then, hold the brush vertically and use several shorter strokes to focus on the backs of your teeth of the front anterior teeth where plaque builds up often.
6. Floss your way to oral health!
Like brushing, flossing must be done properly so that, when you reach between teeth, you actually get to the germs that are stuck there. Ideally, use a piece of floss up to 18 inches in length, allowing you to use a fresh area of floss every few teeth without reinserting bacteria you just removed.
Pro Tip: The floss should rub against the teeth in a motion that creates a forward or backward 'C' shape, wrapping the floss around each tooth.
7. Choose wise always!
Always look for a brush whose head and bristles are small enough to reach into the crevices of your molars, where food debris can hide after you eat. According to the International Dental Health Association most adults require a small- or medium-sized toothbrush for this purpose.
Remember, bristles deteriorate with time and usage, so if you're using the same toothbrush beyond a few months, you may not be getting the best clean anymore.
Pro Tip: Make a point of getting a new brush every three to four months – or at your semiannual dental checkup.
8. Only brushing is not enough!
Some toothbrushes now come with a ridged tooth-scraper on the back of the brush, but even after brushing, bacteria can still remain on the tongue, so be sure to brush or scrape your tongue as part of your daily routine. Not only will it banish bacteria, but cleaning your tongue can also help freshen your breath.
Mouthwashes containing Listerine or chlorine dioxide are very helpful because they help to kill and maintain the bacteria in your mouth. It can help maintain good breath as well as help maintain strong teeth.
Mouthwash cannot do all the work but if you are already brushing, flossing, visiting the dentist and eating well, mouthwash is the cherry on top that will make your dental health great.
9. Say no to tobacco , alcohol and soda.
Tobacco for one, is something you should run away from. Avoiding this can save you from some periodontal complications such as oral cancer. Furthermore, stuff that you will take to mask the smell of tobacco such as sweets, tea or coffee will just end up doubling the damage to your teeth already caused by the tobacco.
You should also limit your intake of soda and alcohol. These contain phosphorus, which is an important mineral for health. But too much of anything is bad and this applies to phosphorus too. Too much of it can deplete the calcium level of the body, causing dental hygiene problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.
Pro tip: If you must take sodas or alcohol, do so with a straw to avoid the drink having direct contact with teeth
10. Try to save a knocked out tooth.
If possible, hold the tooth back in place while you seek immediate dental advice. If this is not possible, wrap the tooth in plastic or place it in milk and seek dental advice immediately!
11. Avoid using your teeth for anything except chewing & Protect your mouth while playing sports.
If you use them to crack nuts, remove bottle tops or rip open packaging, you risk chipping or even breaking your teeth.
Trauma or accidents can cause tooth fracture and even tooth loss. So, you should wear a proper device like a mouthguard to protect your teeth while playing sports. Moreover, don’t forget to wear a helmet as it protects your head as well as your oral cavity from force-impacts that may occur during sports.
12. Plan your child’s dental visit at the right age.
Baby teeth are equally as important as adult teeth. Although they get replaced by permanent variants, they still serve major functions in the early stage of your child’s life.
They play a key role in guiding the adult dentition in its proper place. According to the American Dental Association, a child’s first dental visit should not be any later than his/her first birthday.
Regular dental check-ups during childhood serve as the building blocks of good dental hygiene during the later phases of life.
13. Don’t delay dental treatments.
Many people have fears that prevent them from getting timely dental treatments. Moreover, others avoid treatments thinking that they will cost them an arm and a leg. However, preventative check-ups and treatments do not cost much when compared to extensive care like a dental crown, implant, and others.
So, next time do a dental treatment as and when advised by your dentist. Any delays in treatment may impact your dental hygiene in a negative way and end up costing you much more in the long run.
Oral hygiene is a basic virtue and norm that all children and adults alike should adhere to. Connect with the Nth Sense to keep getting such helpful tips from certified doctors and healthcare experts.
Dr. Aashita Daswani