Dr. Chandana Annyam (BDS)
Published on - 20 Nov 2023
Good oral health helps you enjoy life. It lets you speak clearly; taste, chew, and swallow delicious and nutritious foods; and show your feelings through facial expressions such as smiling.
You can protect your oral health with good oral hygiene practices
What are the signs of Poor Oral Hygiene:
- 1.Bleeding Gums
- 2.Tooth Decay
- 3.Bad breadth (Halitosis)
- 4.Loose teeth
- 5.Gum recession
- 6.Tooth ache
- 7.Swelling
- 8.Stains on teeth
HOW TO MAINTAIN GOOD ORAL HYGIENE
Brush your teeth twice a day: Use a toothbrush with gentle bristles and fluoride toothpaste. (Hard or medium bristles might scratch the enamel of your teeth and gums.) Angle your toothbrush 45 degrees in the direction of your gums when brushing. This aids in removing germs and plaque from the gum line. Make sure to brush all other surfaces.
Flossing: Brushing is not enough to get into the crevices between your teeth. Dental floss is necessary to clean these regions. Take an 18 inch long length of floss. Encircle your middle fingers with each end. Position the floss between two teeth using your thumbs and forefingers. Snugly wrap the floss around one tooth in a C shape, then use around ten up and down strokes to clean it. Repeat after wrapping the floss around the other tooth. Apply this technique to every tooth in your mouth. You may also clean in between your teeth with interproximal brushes if you have dexterity problems.
Tongue Cleaning: Bacteria reside on the tongue. Remember to clean your tongue whenever you brush your teeth. Alternatively, a tongue scraper may be use to clean your tongue.
Use an antibacterial mouthwash every day: Mouthwash with antibacterial properties aids in preventing oral bacteria. It not only removes food particles but also lessens the accumulation of plaque. Be sure to choose an alcohol-free formula to prevent dry mouth.
Visit your dentist regularly: Routine dental examination and cleaning are essential for good oral health. Many people do well with six-month visits. But, if you are prone to cavities, gum disease or other oral health problems, you may need more frequent appointments.
Everyone needs cleanings every six months to keep their teeth and gums healthy. But, if you’re prone to cavities or gum disease, your dentist may need to see you more often.