Why is it important to practice good dental hygiene?

Studies show that there are at least 300 different species of bacteria living inside our mouths, and some are bad bacteria that can cause tooth decay and other diseases. If we don’t practice good dental hygiene, bacteria can build up and can cause tooth decay and even gum diseases.

Here are 7 dental hygiene tips that you should keep in mind if you want to keep that smile looking bright!

Pick the right toothbrush

Choose a toothbrush that has soft bristles. In long term use, hard bristles may scratch or damage your teeth’s enamel.

The toothbrush head should not be too big that it won’t easily fit into the mouth. The perfect size would allow the head to clean the hard-to-reach areas.

See a dentist once every 6 months

You should make it a habit to visit your dentist at least twice a year. Regular visits to the dentist for full oral checkup and cleaning will keep your teeth healthy. 

Find a dentist who excels in dental care and prioritizes your unique, like Dr. H Peter Ku, a Fort Worth Dentist who has been practicing dentistry for over 20 years.

Don’t forget to brush before bedtime

It is generally recommended to brush your teeth twice or three times a day. Ideally, it should be ‘brush your teeth after every meal’, but there’s something that you shouldn’t miss — brushing before bedtime.

Most people still neglect to brush their teeth at night. They may be too tired from work or too drunk that they want to just hit the sack. If you brush your teeth before going to bed, you eliminate all the germs that accumulated on your teeth the whole day.

Drink water after meals

Drinking water or rinsing your mouth after every meal slows down the bacteria buildup in your mouth, thus, protecting your teeth from decay. If you’re following the 30-minute window rule before and after meals, you can just rinse your mouth.

Floss regularly

Regular brushing will keep the surface of your teeth clean, but what about the spaces in between? It is recommended that you floss at least once a day because flossing gets rid of food residue and other substances stuck between the teeth. It is also recommended that you floss properly to not hurt your gums.

Use a mouthwash

A mouthwash or a mouth rinse can help reduce bacteria and plaque buildup. You can easily find a mouth rinse of your choice — with strong menthol flavor or no sting at all — at a grocery store near you. 

Cut back on sugary treats

It’s best to limit your intake of sweetened drinks and sugary food because they can easily cause tooth decay. 

Also, use a straw when drinking sodas, alcohol, and sweetened beverages to avoid the drink having direct contact with your teeth.

What other dental hygiene tips can you add to this list? Let me know in the comment section below. 🙂

Published: 2020-03-12 22:13:34