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We all have heard the saying that the mouth is the window to our overall health. The teeth not only help you to talk and chew but also give an impression of your appearance and quality of life. Hence, practicing good dental health is very essential.
Oral hygiene refers to teeth that are clean and free of debris and gums that are pink and do not bleed. Improper oral hygiene leads to a variety of dental and medical problems such as infection, gum disease, bone loss, etc.
Here are some tips that help you to maintain oral or dental hygiene.
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Regular and proper brushing
Brushing twice a day is one of the easiest ways to keep your teeth clean. While brushing, hold the brush in a way that the bristles are at an angle of 45 degrees near the gum line. At first, brush the outer surface of the teeth gently. Use back-and-forth, up-and-down motion to clean the teeth. Lastly, brush the surfaces of the tongue and the roof of your mouth. Cleaning the surface of the tongue with the professional tongue cleaner helps to remove the bacteria particularly those that stay on the top surface of the tongue. Improper cleaning can cause bad breath and may affect your dental health.
It is better to use a brush with a small head so that it can reach the back teeth too. Replace the toothbrush at least once in two months.
Before brushing in the morning, you can gargle with vinegar. This helps to kill bacteria, remove stains, and whiten the teeth.
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Do flossing
Flossing helps you to remove the food particles and harmful substances which cannot be removed by brushing. It allows you to reach, deep between your teeth where the toothbrush bristles cannot reach or even the mouthwash cannot wash away. Keep the floss between your thumbs and forefingers and move it slowly between the teeth, against the teeth, and between the gum and teeth. It is good to do flossing at least once a day.
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Use mouthwash after brushing and flossing
Not all mouthwashes are suitable for rinsing your mouth. Antimicrobial mouthwashes reduce plaque formation, mouthwashes containing chlorine dioxide prevent bacterial growth, and fluoride mouth rinses prevent tooth decay. But fluoride mouth rinses are not recommended for children under six years. Mouthwashes help to maintain good breath as well as strong teeth. It is recommended to use mouthwash after brushing and flossing.
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Avoid tobacco
Avoiding tobacco can prevent oral cancer and other periodontal complications. Not only oral health but quitting tobacco also contributes to preserving your overall well-being. You should also know that eating candy or drinking coffee or tea after smoking doubles the damage.
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Limit sodas, coffee, and alcohol
Beverages containing phosphorous reduces calcium levels in the body leading to gum disease and tooth decay. Beverages containing additives such as corn syrup and food dye discolor the teeth.
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Consume healthy foods
Healthy gums require calcium and vitamin D supplementation. It is better to drink milk, fortified orange juice, and eat yogurt, broccoli, cheese, and other dairy products as they contain calcium. Vitamin B complex is essential for protecting the gums and teeth from cracking and bleeding. Copper, zinc, iodine, iron, and potassium are also required for maintaining healthy dental hygiene. You can also eat firm and crisp foods such as apples and carrots as they can clean teeth to some extent while you are eating.
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Use fluoridated toothpaste
The fluoride present in the toothpaste helps to harden the tooth enamel and reduces your risk to decay.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is the essential key for healthy teeth and gums. It is also necessary to visit your dentist at least twice a year. It helps to detect any unnoticed dental problems and provides an early diagnosis.
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