Improving your overall well-being with good oral hygiene!
Proper oral hygiene is all about keeping your mouth clean and disease-free. It is more than just a daily routine; it’s the foundation of overall health and well-being.
Good oral hygiene is crucial for healthy teeth and gums. It prevents plaque formation (a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the hard surfaces of teeth). Left untreated, plaque can harden into tartar and cause dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease and even tooth loss.
Your oral health is also closely connected to your overall health and well-being. If there is an infection in your mouth, the bacteria can spread to other parts of your body through your bloodstream which can result in health concerns such as heart disease and strokes.
There are a number of simple steps to maintain good Oral Hygiene:
- Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth
- Eat a well-balanced diet.Limit sweets and sugary drinks
- Rinse with fluoride and antiseptic mouth washes
- Six monthly regular check ups
- Visit your dentist for regular check-ups every 6 months
- Reducing or quitting smoking
- Replacing your toothbrush regularly
Signs of Poor Oral Hygiene
Telltale signs of poor oral hygiene include:
- Tooth decay
- Chronic bad breath
- Bleeding gums
- Gum recession
- Loose teeth
- Mouth sores
- Toothaches
- Swelling of the jaw
Common Oral Hygiene Mistakes
- Brushing Too Hard
It might seem like vigorous brushing will clean your teeth better, but brushing too hard can actually damage your enamel and irritate your gums. Use gentle, circular motions instead. - Skipping Flossing
Skipping flossing is one of the most common mistakes people make. It may feel like an unnecessary step, but without it, you’re leaving a significant amount of your tooth’s surface uncleaned. - Neglecting the Tongue
Bacteria can also accumulate on your tongue, leading to bad breath and contributing to plaque formation. Use your toothbrush or a tongue scraper to clean your tongue every time you brush your teeth..
How to Brush Correctly
Proper brushing is essential for cleaning teeth and gums effectively. Here’s the correct way to brush your teeth:
- Use a toothbrush with soft, nylon bristles that will not scratch and irritate teeth or damage gums.
- Place the bristles along the gum line at a 45-degree angle so it makes contact with both the tooth surface and gum line.
- Slowly brush using back, forth, and rolling motions along all inner tooth surfaces while maintaining a 45-degree angle and ensuring contact with the tooth surface and gum line.
- Tilt the brush vertically behind the front teeth. Make several up-and-down strokes using the front half of the brush.
- Place the brush against the biting surface of the teeth and use a gentle back-and-forth scrubbing motion.
- Brush the tongue – a quick scrape with a tongue cleaner or the back of your toothbrush can make a big difference.
The Importance of Flossing & How to Do It Correctly
Flossing is an essential part of the tooth-cleaning process because it removes plaque from between teeth and at the gum line, where periodontal disease often begins. It helps to maintain a healthy smile and prevent dental issues further down the road.
If you find using floss difficult, ask us about the variety of dental floss holders or interdental cleaning devices that are available.
- Wind 35cm of floss around the middle fingers of each hand. Pinch floss between thumb and index fingers, leaving a 2-4 cm length in between. Use thumbs to direct floss between upper teeth.
- Keep a 2-4 cm length of floss taut between fingers. Use index fingers to guide floss between lower teeth.
- Gently guide floss between the teeth. Do not snap floss between your teeth. Contour floss around the side of the tooth. Slide floss up and down against the tooth surface and under the gum line. Floss each tooth thoroughly with a clean section of floss.
How Regular Checkups Can Help Improve Your Oral Health
Part of a good oral hygiene routine involves a professional cleaning and checkup every 6 months. This helps ensure that your oral health is on the right track and any dental issues are intercepted as early as possible.
By following these tips and staying consistent, you can keep your smile healthy, your breath fresh, and your dental visits stress-free. Your teeth are one of your best assets—treat them with care, and they’ll last a lifetime.
Your dental health is our priority! Schedule regular checkups with Melton Dental Group to prevent dental issues from taking root and to ensure good oral hygiene. Call us at (03) 9743-4922 or Visit us at 447 High Street, Melton, VIC 3337.