Tips to Improve Oral Hygiene

When it comes to oral hygiene, you are your child’s best teacher. Therefore, you need to lead by example. Did you know that June is the Oral health month? Supported by the American Dental Association, it serves as a reminder to every individual of the significance of good oral hygiene.

What Is Good Oral Hygiene?

Good oral hygiene means more than brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing. It also means going for regular visits to your dentist for comprehensive dental checkups. This June, you should learn about the steps you can take to improve your oral hygiene.

Do you ignore problems in your mouth, such as tender and bleeding gums, mouth infections, or oral pain? If you do, you need to understand that such problems can affect you in many ways. They can affect the way you socialize, eat, and speak. They can also increase the likelihood of developing more serious conditions.

Oral Health Month

The initial toothbrushes were tree twigs. This means that people started watching and taking care of their oral health thousands of years ago. They would chew on the tree twigs to spread the fibers, which cleaned their teeth by acting as bristles. The ancient Greeks, for example, used coral powder, alabaster, iron rust, or pumice as toothpaste.

Today, there are many ways to improve your oral health. The observance of the oral health month spreads awareness of the importance of following good oral hygiene practices. It also illustrates the importance of good oral health when it comes to maintaining overall health and wellbeing.

When it comes to keeping gums and teeth healthy, excellent oral hygiene is necessary. Oral health is about more than gum disease and cavities. According to research, there is a link between the mouth and overall health. This is why oral health problems are a global health issue.

Without treatment, certain dental issues can lead to speech problems, malnutrition, and other challenges that can affect your personal, work, or school life. Some of the tips to improve oral hygiene include:

Brushing Teeth Regularly

Everyone knows that brushing teeth at least twice a day is important. However, regular brushing does not mean aggressive brushing. You need to use the right technique. Use small circular brushing motions and brush the front, top, and back of every tooth.

Floss for Oral Health

Without flossing, you cannot reach the bacteria and food particles wedged in the tight spaces between your teeth. Also, you will not reach those lodged under your gum line with your toothbrush. This is why it is important to floss daily and do a thorough job. It does not matter whether you floss or brush first, as long as you do it.

Regular Dental Visits

To prevent oral health problems, you need to go for regular cleanings and checkups. This is especially important if you notice any symptoms or signs that could suggest that you have an oral health issue. Some of these symptoms include painful chewing, swollen or tender gums, persistent bad breath, loose permanent teeth, bleeding gums, and unusual tooth sensitivity.

Other oral hygiene tips include:

Do not neglect your tongue.
Use mouthwash to clean hard-to-reach areas, reduce the amount of acid in your mouth, and re-mineralize your teeth.
Use fluoride toothpaste.
Eat crunchy veggies and fruits.
Drink lots of water.
Limit acidic and sugary foods.

To get more oral hygiene tips, visit Reaves Dental at our office in New Hartford, New York. You can also call (315)736-0139 today to schedule an appointment.