What is Oral Hygiene?
Oral hygiene is a set of steps that help you achieve a consistent and thorough dental home care routine. Accompanied by regular dentist visits, it not only helps ensure a bright smile but also can help safeguard your overall well-being. Let’s check out some easy dental hygiene instructions and how you can take a few simple steps to upgrade your and your children’s brushing and flossing.
Why Basic Oral Hygiene is Crucial for Adults and Kids
Daily brushing and flossing sessions play a pivotal role in preventing many dental issues, from cavities to gum disease. For adults, basic oral hygiene can help maintain function and a confident smile. For kids, establishing good oral hygiene habits early on sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
Choose the Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste
When it comes to toothbrushes, manual and electric both clean well, especially if you use them for about two minutes per brushing session. However, some people prefer the results they get from electric toothbrushes. Choosing a soft bristle brush, whether you decide on a manual or electric model, can help protect your tooth enamel and gums.
Most toothpastes contain fluoride, which helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. As a rule of thumb, use just a tiny bit of toothpaste for children under 3 and a pea-sized amount for everyone 3 and older. If you have gum issues or other concerns, we can give recommendations based on your needs.
Oral Hygiene Instructions
Proper Brushing and Flossing Technique
Follow these easy oral health instructions: Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and use gentle, circular motions. Don’t forget to brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the often-neglected back molars and the tongue side of your front teeth. Spend at least two minutes brushing to ensure a thorough clean.
When flossing, an 18-inch long piece of floss is recommended. Wrap it around your middle fingers. Move the floss between your teeth with your thumbs and index fingers. Move it around each tooth and beneath the gumline.
Need additional oral hygiene instructions? Use an interdental brush. It’s terrific at getting between teeth to remove food and debris.
Managing Habits like Smoking, Teeth Grinding, and Coffee and Tea Drinking
If you smoke, consider quitting. Smoking can stain your teeth and also increase your risk of gum disease and oral cancer. Do you grind your teeth when you sleep? Talk to your dentist about getting a nightguard to protect your teeth from wear.
Coffee and tea can stain your teeth. Some people drink iced coffee through a straw to reduce the chance of staining their teeth. However, rinsing your mouth a few minutes after consuming coffee or tea can help with staining and bacteria growth.
Routine Check-ups and Professional Cleanings
Regular dental check-ups and cleanings added to your home care can keep your teeth and gums healthy. Moreover, we do recommend visiting your Diamond Dental Centre dentist every six months, as regular dental visits allow us to keep track of changes to your teeth and gums.
Basic Oral Hygiene Practices
Daily Routine for Adults and Kids
Make these a part of your daily oral care routine:
- For adults, brush at least twice a day, floss daily, and use an antiseptic mouthwash.
- Kids should follow a similar routine, minus the mouthwash, until they’re older.
- As soon as your child’s first tooth appears, you can use fluoride toothpaste for brushing.
- Teach kids not to swallow toothpaste, and provide a reward for after brushing, like a sticker or small prize.
Additional Tips for Good Oral Hygiene
Reducing Sugar Intake and Staying Hydrated
Consume fewer sugary foods and drinks, as they can contribute to tooth decay. Instead, try crunchy vegetable snacks. You can also drink more water, as it helps rinse away food particles and bacteria, and if the water has fluoride, it can help strengthen your teeth.
Using the Right Products and Techniques for Sensitive Teeth
Use a toothpaste specifically designed for sensitivity. These products can help reduce discomfort over time. When brushing sensitive teeth, use extra-soft bristles and gentle pressure.
Tongue Cleaning: Why it Matters and How to Do It Properly
Use a tongue scraper or the bristles of your toothbrush to gently clean your tongue daily. Start at the back of your tongue and work your way forward, rinsing the scraper or brush after each pass.
Optimal oral health not only gives you a bright smile and proper function, it can also help you protect your overall well-being. Follow our simple oral health instructions and schedule your appointment for an oral exam and teeth cleaning today.
Frequently Asked Questions on Oral Hygiene
- How often should I brush my teeth?Brush your teeth at least twice daily, once in the morning and once before bed. Brushing after meals is also beneficial, but wait 30 minutes after eating acidic foods.
- When can my child start brushing their own teeth?Children can start brushing independently around age 6 to 8 but need supervision until about age 10 to 12.
- What kind of toothbrush is best for me?Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes can be more effective at removing plaque, but proper technique matters most.
- How often should I visit the dentist?Visit your dentist for a check-up and cleaning every six months. Some people may need more frequent visits.
- What should I do if I have sensitive teeth?Use desensitizing toothpaste, avoid acidic foods, and brush gently with a toothbrush that possesses soft bristles.
- Is fluoride toothpaste safe for kids?Fluoride toothpaste is safe and recommended for children. Use a rice-grain-sized amount for kids under 3 and a pea-sized amount for older children.
- Is mouthwash necessary for adults or kids?Mouthwash isn’t essential but can be beneficial, especially for adults. It helps reduce plaque and gingivitis. For kids, consult a dentist before using mouthwash regularly.