Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for healthy teeth and gums.
A proper oral cleaning routine not only prevents problems related to your oral health, but also contributes to the general well-being and health of your body.
To help you maintain good oral hygiene habits, we’re going to share a few things you should keep in mind to prevent periodontal disease, tooth decay and other oral problems that can affect your quality of life and health.
Oral hygiene habits to prevent oral problems
1. Brushing
Brushing plays a fundamental role in cleaning teeth and maintaining healthy gums, and is essential for good oral hygiene.
Proper tooth brushing prevents a number of oral problems and you should brush your teeth at least twice a day – once in the morning and once before bed.
Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to prevent damage to tooth enamel and gums.
Brushing your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste removes plaque (a collection of bacteria, saliva and food debris) and helps remineralise the teeth, making them more resistant.
From the age of 6, children and adults should use a pea-sized amount of fluoride for each time they brush their teeth. This should last about two minutes, covering all the surfaces of the teeth and also reaching the gums.
It’s important not to forget to brush your tongue, as it can accumulate bacteria and cause bad breath.
For children up to 6 years old, there are some specific oral hygiene practices for babies and young children.
2. Flossing
Flossing is an essential ally to brushing. It is recommended that you do this once a day and, in the case of patients with dental implants, this care should be doubled.
By flossing between the teeth, you remove plaque and debris that the toothbrush cannot reach.
3. Mouthwash
Mouthwash is a great complement to your oral hygiene routine as it helps eliminate bacteria, freshens breath, fights plaque and gingivitis. You should choose an elixir with fluoride and without alcohol.
4. Regular visits to the dentist
No matter how well you take care of your oral hygiene at home, you should visit your dentist at least twice a year.
The dentist can detect problems such as cavities, gum disease or other oral conditions early on, as well as carry out a dental cleaning (scaling), which allows you to properly remove food residue that has accumulated on your teeth and gums.
5. Avoid Harmful Habits
Even with good oral hygiene, there are some habits that can damage oral health.
Smoking, for example, is associated with the development of gum disease and bad breath. Excessive alcohol consumption can also negatively affect oral health, contributing to dry mouth and an increased risk of tooth decay.
Biting your nails, biting hard objects or using your teeth to open packages can also cause damage to your teeth and gums.
6. Food and hydration
A healthy diet plays an important role in oral health.
Calcium-rich foods help to strengthen tooth enamel, while fibre-rich fruit and vegetables stimulate the production of saliva, which in turn helps to neutralise acids that can weaken teeth.
It’s important to avoid excessive consumption of sugars and acidic foods in order to prevent cavities and enamel wear.
Staying hydrated is also essential, as saliva helps keep the mouth free of bacteria.
Oral hygiene is a daily commitment!
It should be noted that there are situations in which oral hygiene may require other care, such as for orthodontic patients or when wearing fixed prostheses.
Did you like these tips? Book an appointment with a specialist to assess your oral health!
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