How to Improve Dental Hygiene for a Healthier Mouth
Having healthy teeth and gums is important in order to have a pleasant eating experience and steer clear of any dental-related issues. We don’t want our mouths to be riddled with cavities and various teeth problems, so our orthodontists in Philadelphia are here to instruct us on the most effective strategies for keeping our mouths safe from potential harm.
Here are five ways how to improve dental hygiene, resulting in a healthier and cleaner mouth, as recommended by specialists!
The Importance of Dental Hygiene
Ever since we were kids, we have been told to brush our teeth, avoid eating too much candy, and all the other tips our parents have shared to keep our teeth in a healthy state. So, we all have this notion that dental hygiene is important, but do we actually know the reasoning behind it?
It’s important to practice good dental hygiene because it generally decreases the risk of developing gum diseases and tooth decay. Besides that, here are other reasons why dental hygiene is important.
Lessens the likelihood of tooth loss
If you’re not taking good care of your teeth, a buildup of plaque around them will begin to form, which can later lead to tooth decay or gum infection. When the gums are inflamed, also known as gingivitis, it can escalate into periodontitis which can result in tooth loss. Generally, mouth infections can bring forth various complications like arthritis and asthma.
By practicing good dental hygiene, you’ll be able to prevent your teeth from accumulating plaque buildup through your brushing skills as well as regular trips to the dentist can help easily detect any dental issues as early as possible.
Prevents oral pain or discomfort
Overlooking proper dental hygiene can eventually lead to some oral discomfort. You don’t want to wait until you start to experience it because it’s only a matter of when it starts manifesting. Many still neglect visiting their dentist on a regular basis or even conducting the proper way of brushing their teeth.
By looking after your teeth as early as you can, you’ll eliminate the high risk of getting frustrating pains in your oral region.
Improves self-confidence
Don’t you feel more confident when you’re able to flash a smile and feel good about it? At the same time, if you know your breath doesn’t have a bad odor, then you’re less likely to feel shy about talking.
Having a good dental hygiene routine means you get to show off your clean smile. Additionally, your mouth isn’t riddled with bacteria that cause a foul smell whenever you open it. With those in mind, you’re not self-conscious about it and are inclined to smile and speak more.
5 ways on how to improve dental hygiene
#1 – Brush Your Teeth Properly and Habitually
Let’s say you brush your teeth every morning and night. Do you make sure that you’re brushing your teeth properly? Brushing your teeth is only effective when you do it the right way.
So, what is the proper way of brushing your teeth?
The first thing you should do is to begin brushing the outer surfaces of your teeth. Remember to brush them gently and not too aggressively, as this can aggravate them. Also, remember to keep your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle as you brush your teeth.
After brushing the outer surface, don’t forget to brush the inner part of your teeth, as plaque buildup is more prone to this area. Use quick back-and-forth strokes as you brush your teeth. Lastly, don’t forget to brush your tongue to eliminate bacteria.
#2 – Keep Yourself Hydrated with Water
Quench your thirst by drinking water, not sugary drinks. By consuming a lot of drinks that are high in sugar, you are inviting more risk of developing cavities in your teeth. It’s been suggested to drink more water or unsweetened tea throughout the day and drink sugary drinks in small volumes if you can’t completely cut them off your diet.
#3 – Don’t Forget to Visit Your Dentist at Least Twice a Year
Even if you’re very meticulous about your dental hygiene habits and you brush your teeth properly, it’s still important to see your dentist every six months. You should also have dental cleaning and checkups to ensure that your teeth are in tip-top shape.
Many think that as long as they exhibit good dental hygiene at home, then they no longer need to see a dentist, but that’s not exactly how it works. By having Dr. Farrow examine your teeth every six months, they can detect any potential cavities or potential dental issues and immediately offer possible treatment solutions in order to resolve them as soon as possible.
#4 – Replace Your Toothbrush After a Couple of Months
No matter how attached you are to your current toothbrush–sure they’ve been with you through your ups and downs–you have to replace them every three to four months.
Any dentist or orthodontist will tell you that you need to buy a new toothbrush after a few months in order to decrease the risk of bacterial infection. Additionally, worn toothbrushes are not as effective in cleaning compared to brand-new ones and can actually damage gum tissue and tooth enamel!
#5 – Floss Everyday
Some skip floss because they think it’s not as needed as brushing. You shouldn’t just floss only when there’s a piece of vegetable stuck between your teeth. It’s about time to treat flossing as just as crucial as brushing when it comes to good dental hygiene routines.
When you start flossing your teeth on a regular basis (at least once a day), it’s a good way to reduce plaque, stimulate the gums, and help decrease inflammation in the area.
Experience the Best Services for Dental Hygiene in Philadelphia
Farrow Orthodontics offers high-quality services for Dental Hygiene in Philadelphia. We are concerned about your dental health as much as you do.
We offer free consultation services to help determine the best orthodontic treatment for you. You may also visit our offices in Mt. Airy or Center City. See you there!