5 Ways to Improve Your Dental Hygiene Routine

Dr. Firoz Lalani

Medically Reviewed By Dr. Firoz Lalani

Table of Contents

There’s so much more to white sparkly teeth and a clean tongue. While you take your pearly whites to be healthy just by looking at them, oral health is a lot more than that.

Your oral hygiene has numerous effects on your overall health. Periodontitis or other oral diseases can be linked to several health issues like stroke, heart disease, preterm labor, Alzheimer’s, and even diabetes.

This makes dental health all the more important and it is vital to take care of your teeth. However, flossing and brushing regularly and seeing your dentist every six months may not help you ace the dental hygiene test. Don’t worry, we have got you covered.

With these five simple steps, you can not only improve your oral hygiene but also your overall health.

Brush timing

Do you usually start your day with breakfast or orange juice? If yes, you may want to hold off on flossing and brushing for a while afterward.

Juices and food items mostly have low pH levels which make them acidic. Beverages and most food items soften the enamel of the teeth temporarily. If you immediately brush your teeth after meals you could end up removing some of the enamel. This could lead to tooth decay. It would be best if you delay brushing right after you’ve had citrus food items and beverages, wine, and soda.

Floss timing

Now that you know when to brush, you must know when to floss. Flossing is a good habit as it helps in loosening and removing debris and tiny food particles between teeth. Dentists recommend always floss before brushing your teeth and not the other way around. This way, you are certainly getting rid of all the food leftovers from your mouth.

If you are outside, make sure to floss and rinse your mouth afterward.

Floss timing

Always clean your tongue

We often brush our teeth or rinse our mouths to avoid bad breath. Your teeth or last meal might not be the only source of foul smell from your mouth; the problem could be with your tongue. It has millions of bacteria living and spreading in the mouth and consequently, the entire body. It also turns out to be a contributing factor to plaque buildup and gum diseases. Therefore, make sure to always brush your tongue and gently clean it after brushing to remove bacteria.

tongue cleaning

Add gum and mouthwash to your routine

Brushing and flossing twice a day may not be enough to keep your oral health at its best. Make sure to rinse your mouth with antimicrobial and antiseptic mouthwash for thirty seconds after you have flossed and brushed your teeth. This would keep bacteria and plaque at bay.

Another great addition to your routine would be sugar-free gums. It would help you reduce oral bacteria and germs in your mouth. The chewing helps in replenishing tooth enamel.

Watch your diet

It is not a marketing gimmick, experts recommend some foods that can help you keep your teeth healthy, strong, and white. Food rich in fiber such as cucumbers, carrots, lettuce, celery, pears, and apples helps remove accumulated plaque that not only makes your teeth look yellow but also invites tooth decay.

They also stimulate saliva secretion. This helps in the prevention of tooth decay and erosion due to acids.

Improving dental hygiene routine is no rocket science. The above tips help in strengthening your teeth and preventing even the most severe dental issues. Along with the above tips, make it a habit to visit your dentist regularly.

You ought to plan to visit the dental specialist routinely for check-ups and cleanings. Your teeth should be cleaned professionally twice a year.  A Dental Care has a dual purpose as it serves both the dental necessities of the local area while additionally assisting with teaching and practice dental care for our dental specialists.

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