Daily Oral Hygiene
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- Everytime I visit the dentist or any medical professional, I always go with my questions. I learned this during pregnancy when we were always encouraged to write down our questions during the week before our next ante-natal visits. And for the most times, doctors are always ready to answer questions, no matter how silly they may sound. So below are some common tips worth reminding ourselves of.
- Rinse Your Mouth After Every meal. There’s always that after smell and taste in your mouth after meals that can easily transition to foul mouth smell if not properly rinsed afterwards.
- Ditch The Mouthwash. A dentist once asked if we’ve ever seen a licensed dentist or dental surgeon endorse the use of mouthwash. I started observing afterwards and realised none. Apparently, the use of mouthwash is not endorsed by professionals because mouthwashes are
quite strong. They not only kill the bad bacteria in the mouth but the good bacteria as well. And we need the good bacteria (howbeit larger quantity than the bad) present to establish a healthy microflora. If you must use it, it should not be used immediately after brushing with toothpaste or it will wash away flouride from your toothpaste. - Floss Instead of Toothpick. Another thing I learned during pregnancy was how pregnancy impacts on our gums. A little carelessness and voila! Bleeding gums. Flossing is alot safer and healthier especially for it’s dual purpose of picking pieces of food stuck in between the teeth at the same time cleaning the teeth.
- No To Teeth Whitening. As we age, our teeth don’t remain so white and is a major source of concern to many who end up visiting beauty spas to have the teeth whitening procedure done as this is never really done in dental clinics. Dentists do not encourage this, stating risks like increased tooth sensitivity, gum irritation and burns and potential permanent damage to tooth enamel amongst other complications.
- No To Tobacco Products. Tobacco products have been linked to oral cancer and periodontal complications so limitating their intake is strongly advised.
- Attention! Pay attention to symptoms like that cavity smell, toothaches, jaw pain and other dental issues. Early interventions always saves the day.
- Thoroughly:
Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time, using a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the gum line, and use gentle, circular motions. - Brush your tongue:
Gently brush the surface of your tongue or use a tongue scraper to remove bacteria that can cause bad breath. - Replace your toothbrush:
Change your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, or sooner if the bristles are worn or frayed. - Limit sugar and acid:
Cut back on sugary and acidic foods and drinks, such as soda, juice, and coffee, as they increase your risk of tooth decay. - Eat a healthy diet:
Consume calcium-rich foods and plenty of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables to support gum and tooth health. - In all these , make your dentist your friend and take your oral health seriously. I hope you found these tips useful.
