How Can I Improve My Oral Health?
Good oral hygiene is essential to preventing dental problems. Plaque is a soft, sticky bacteria containing film that builds up on your teeth from the sugar in your diet and your saliva, and are the main cause of cavities and gum disease because they can harden into tarter if not removed through daily brushing and flossing.
Oral hygiene problems can be prevented easily. Make sure to:
- Brush thoroughly for at least twice a day, with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove plaque buildup in-between your teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach.
- Clean your tongue using your toothbrush or floss to refresh your breath and remove bacteria.
- Use mouthwash to refresh your breath and get rid of bacteria.
- Choose a healthy diet that provides essential nutrients for healthy tooth and gums while limiting sugary food.
- Avoid tobacco smoking.
- Seeing your dentist regularly for hygiene services and oral check ups.
How to Brush Your Teeth
- Place the head of your tooth brush at a 45 degree angle toward your teeth.
- Brush in small circular movements on all surface of your teeth, keeping the toothbrush angled at 45 degrees.
- Brush your teeth for two minutes, for a minimum of twice a day.
How to Floss
- Use around 40 cm of floss.
- wrap the ends of the floss around your fingers in each hand and slip the floss in between your teeth.
- Repeat this for every tooth with strokes up and down between each teeth to remove food and plaque.
- Floss everyday.
How to Use Mouthwash
- Pour the correct amount of mouthwash indicated and swish for 30- 60 seconds in your mouth.
- Spit out the mouthwash.
- Do not use mouthwash immediately after brushing your teeth as it will wash away the fluoride left on your teeth from the tooth paste.
- Some mouthwash contains alcohol so children have to be extra careful in not swallowing them accidentally.