Don’t wait for a toothache to schedule a visit to the dentist. A general visit to the dentist once in 3 months will help diagnose dental issues before they get painful and out of control!

When talking about healthy practices and healthy living, the one thing overlooked most often is Oral Hygiene. However, a clean mouth is the first step to happy, infection-free life. And maintaining good oral health and hygiene is easily achievable, with a few simple steps.

STEPS TO MAINTAINING GOOD ORAL HEALTH

• BRUSH YOUR TEETH EVERYDAY: When bits and pieces of food particles get stuck between your teeth, they affect the gums and teeth. Often leading to cavities. Brushing your teeth helps wash out these germs and food particles. Most importantly brush your teeth before you go to bed to get rid of the germs that have accumulated in your mouth through the course of the day.
• BRUSHING TECHNIQUE IS IMPORTANT: Do not be in a rush to get done with it. Move your brush in gentle circular motions over your teeth. This is found to be most effective in removing plaque. Build-up of plaque can lead to gingivitis.
• USE A FLUORIDE TOOTHPASTE: When picking out a toothpaste make sure it has a seal of approval from the Indian Dental Association. This means the company has adhered to strict manufacturing regulations and used the right dosage of fluoride in its toothpaste that makes it suitable for adults and children past a certain age. Fluorides help make teeth strong and prevent tooth decay.
• FLOSS REGULARLY: Flossing is as important as brushing teeth. Yet, it is not a common practice in most households. The dental floss gets between teeth and pushes out anything stuck there. Doing this further cleanses your mouth and promotes oral hygiene.
• USE A TONGUE CLEANER: Germs and bacteria do settle on your tongue and a tongue scraper can help get rid of them. A clean tongue, means fresher breath too!
• USE A MOUTHWASH: An IDA approved mouthwash wraps up the cleaning process by reaching every corner of your mouth and killing/ washing away any germs that you may have missed while brushing or flossing!
• MAINTAIN A CLEAN TOOTHBRUSH: After every use rinse your toothbrush in running water and leave it out to dry. Avoid covering the bristles with a toothbrush cap – studies show that covering the brush can breed new bacteria. Get a new brush every 3 months or sooner if the bristles have started to look worn.
• QUIT TOBACCO PRODUCTS: Smoking and chewing tobacco is detrimental for tooth and gum health. Smoking is found to interfere with the normal function of gum tissue cells. This leads to gum disease, which is one of the main causes for loss of teeth in adults. Smoking also stains teeth and leads to bad breath.
• AVOID SUGARY FOOD & EAT HEALTHY: Sugary food leads to cavities and we don’t want that for sure. If you can’t avoid them totally, at least be mindful of how much you have. Eating crunchy vegetables and fruits, enhances dental health and strengthens the teeth.
• VISIT THE DENTIST REGULARLY: Don’t wait for a toothache to schedule a visit to the dentist. Getting your teeth professionally cleaned once in 6 months is imperative for good dental hygiene. A general visit to the dentist once in 3 months will help diagnose dental issues before they get painful and out of control!

Reviewed By:

Dr.Selvakumar.C

CONSULTANT – FACIOMAXILLARY SURGEON

MDS, FELLOW HEAD & NECK TRAUMA, IMPLANTOLOGY