The secret behind every perfect smile is good dental hygiene. Here’s how to take care of your oral health.
Choose the right toothbrush.
Use a toothbrush with a compact, rounded head to reach every surface of every tooth. Choose a toothbrush with soft or extra-soft bristles to protect tooth enamel and gums. People with braces, crown bridges, diastema (space between their teeth) or periodontally compromised teeth (excessive gap between gums & teeth) should utilise special interdental toothbrushes. Don’t forget to change your toothbrush every 3 months.
Brush your teeth frequently and properly.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day — morning and night. Preferably, brush after every meal. Proper brushing takes at least 2 or 3 minutes.
Move your toothbrush gently in a circular motion, brushing every surface of your mouth. Don’t forget to scrape your tongue to remove any food residue stuck in its folds or taste buds. Brush gently especially around the gum line. Rough brushing will not make your teeth cleaner and may even damage your gums. Use toothpaste that contains fluoride for best results.
Floss every day.
Floss once or twice a day, preferably before bed. Dental floss dislodges plaque that has accumulated between the teeth, an area a toothbrush can’t reach. If plaque is not removed daily, it can harden and lead to other dental problems like gingivitis (gum disease). If you have braces, ask your orthodontist for threaders you can use.
Apply home remedies.
Swishing your mouth with coconut oil first thing in the morning, eating bananas or chewing holy basil leaves can give you whiter teeth and improve your smile. Once a week, you can add a small amount of baking soda to your toothpaste. Don’t use home remedies involving strawberries, vinegar or other acidic foods, because they can rapidly eat into your tooth enamel.
Adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Minimise eating foods that can compromise your dental health including candy, sweet drinks and fruit juices. Quit smoking as it can cause problems like bad breath, stained teeth and gum disease. Avoid black tea, soft drinks, coffee and red wine, for these cause teeth stains. Instead, drink plenty of water because it rinses away any food stuck in your mouth and keeps you well-hydrated.
Take care of your lips.
Exfoliate your lips with a lip scrub or toothbrush. If your lips are cracked, do this only after a shower. Apply lip balm after exfoliating or whenever your lips feel dry. Use a lip balm with sun protection before going outside.
If your lips feel dry, drink water and dry them with a cloth. Avoid licking them.
Consult your dentist.
See your dentist at regular intervals, preferably every 6 months. Be sure to mention any changes you’ve noticed since your last visit. If you have braces, retainers or other treatment, ask your orthodontist how to keep them clean. A dirty retainer can sabotage your smile and breath.
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