How To Improve Oral Hygiene
Practicing good and proper hygiene is a good investment, not just for your teeth but for your overall well-being.
Here are seven ways to improve your oral hygiene:
1) Brush your teeth consistently
Twice a day is recommended. Preferably brushing both in the morning after you wake up, as bacteria builds up rapidly whilst we sleep, and in the evening after accumulating food, plaque, and germs throughout the day. Further, you should not only brush your teeth, but also, remember to gently clean other areas of your mouth such as the roof of your mouth, your gums and, of course, your tongue.
2) Floss regularly
Hard-to-reach areas, particularly the nooks and crannies of your teeth and gums can hide bacteria and food residue. That’s where flossing can help. Flossing can remove detrimental substances which seek refuge in the spots a toothbrush can’t access.
3) Avoid tobacco
Regular tobacco use is known to cause bad breath. Smoking tobacco products can lead to more serious health conditions like oral cancer and gum disease in the long run.
Further, smokers try to mask their breath with coffee, tea or sweets, this does more harm than good. As the added sugar and artificial flavourings accelerate plaque buildup - they compound teeth damage and amplifies bad breath.
4) Cut back on sugary drinks and alcohol
Sugary drinks contain phosphoric acid and citric acid, which are both very bad for oral health as it softens the enamel of your teeth. This increases the risk of cavities and tooth decay over time.
Alcohol's negative effect on your teeth and gums is primarily due to the sugar content in a mixed alcoholic beverage. Sugar causes problems for the gums and teeth, however, alcohol itself causes dehydration and dry mouth and you risk developing bad breath.
5) Use mouthwash
Mouthwash, just like dental floss, penetrates those areas where a toothbrush falls short. Aside from that, it also adds essential minerals to the teeth and kills harmful bacteria. Mouthwash, such as Listerine’s Total Care, has the tooth-friendly benefits of fluoride which is the key ingredient for helping to remineralise and protect teeth against cavities.
6) Drink more water
Though not as effective as a mouthwash, a glass of water can go a long way in the fight against bad breath. Having a glass first thing in the morning, and after meals helps counteract plaque buildup and acidic residues. It essentially waters down the bad stuff.
7) Add vegetables and fruits to your diet
Hard-to-eat foods provide excellent nourishment and exercise for the mouth. Steer clear of extremely soft, processed foods like bread and sweets, and look for fiber-rich, fresh alternatives with some crunch.
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