Top 10 Tips to Good Dental Health
Dental health care has come a long way since the days of wooden dentures and baking soda. There has been great technologies and advancement in oral care techniques to keep our teeth free of bacteria and plaque. Nowadays, there is so much you can do to keep your oral health good than just brushing twice per day. Below are ten tips on maintaining your oral health at a high standard from a prevention perspective.
1. Have you tried waterjets?
Waterjets are also referred to as oral irrigators, and can be used to substitute flossing. In this case, devices that deliver pressurized streams of water are used; the water jet blast out the plaque and bacteria that collect in areas where brushing alone cannot suffice. It has been established that use of Waterjets in addition to daily brushing greatly reduces chances of calculus and gingivitis.
2. Brushing
It might seem so obvious, but most people ignore or casual undertake this practice. It is vital to thoroughly brush your teeth first thing when you wake and last thing when you go to sleep at night. Brushing is essential to remove the bacteria and plaque that accumulate especially overnight. Acquire a small headed brush that has soft bristles. Make sure you clean all the facets of your teeth as well as the gums and tongue, gently and thoroughly.
3. Use of mouthwash
Most mouthwashes have antibacterial and antifungal effects when used. They can therefore be used to keep oral bacteria in check and reduce dental health complications. Rinse and gargle twice daily, morning and always evening and do this after brushing.
4. Flossing
Dental flossing comes in handy when cleaning in areas where the brush might not cover effectively, such as in between teeth, this is also where plaque accumulates. It is advisable to floss before you brush to increase the effectiveness of your oral cleaning exercise. Keep in mind that almost 90% of teeth problems such as decay are caused by collection of plaque in between teeth.
5. Try electric toothbrushes
Electric tooth brushes work on the same principle as manual toothbrushes in improving your dental health, but they are far more effective. They have small heads that have the ability to cup around teeth and remove the accumulated plaque and bacteria a bit faster.
6. Avoiding dry mouth
Saliva serves a vital role in preserving your dental health; it protects your teeth against periodontal disease and tooth decay. Saliva deficiency can therefore reduce oral immunity and cause serious dental problems. Persistent dry mouth may also be a side effect of some medications or a disease symptom. Ask your dentist for recommendation on products that replace or stimulate saliva production.
7. Fresh breath
Everybody experiences bad breath once in a while. Persistent bad breath however may be as a result or poor oral hygiene or accumulation of bacteria. Basically, bacteria in the mouth do feed and break down the plaque that accumulates in between teeth and release the volatile sulfur compounds that are mainly responsible bad breath. Keep the plaque in check by regular brushing and flossing of your teeth.
8. Whiter teeth
Having white teeth is a sign of good dental health. Nothing beats the smile and happiness that emanates from white clean teeth, but maintaining such white teeth is quite elusive to many. A good start however is to avoid smoking, red wine and such other tannin containing drinks in addition to regular brushing.
9. Gargle with apple cider vinegar
Vinegar is helpful in maintaining your dental health to a good standard as it kills bacteria in the mouth/gums, whiten teeth and removes stains. Gargle with apple cider vinegar in the morning prior to brushing.
10. Eat 'detergent' foods.
These are foods that are crisp or firm and help clean your teeth when eaten. This is a trick least known to many. The best choices include apples, celery, raw carrots, and popcorns. These "detergent" foods are best eaten last after all your other meals.
Credit : Jeff Molenda
