Image represents A smiling person cleaning her teeth and gums with dental floss

A beautiful smile and strong teeth are not just self-confidence indicators, but they also define our overall health. The nationwide increase in corona cases has upturned our lives. It is difficult not to be concerned about being sick every time we leave our house. We are all doing our best to stay away from public areas and events where the risk of contracting COVID-19 is high. There is a lot of uncertainty around when life would return to normal. Following some best practices at home can maintain our oral health and protect us from infections. Research indicates that good oral health directly contributes to a healthy and long life. Early detection of oral conditions and applying proper remedies can improve oral health.

Image represents teeth and gums cleaning tools such as mouth wash, brush, toothpaste and floss

Best Practices To Prevent Dental Issues

At 4 Squares Dentistry, we aim to provide preventive dental care and improve our patients’ oral hygiene through sustainable dental practices at home. The most affordable way of managing dental problems is the prevention of issues by maintaining proper dental hygiene. Here are some of the best practices I encourage my patients to follow at home:

Brushing

Brush your teeth twice daily to reduce the plaque buildup. The proper way to do it is by moving the toothbrush slowly in circular movements around the tooth. You should brush for at least 2 minutes to ensure that all plaque is removed. Not following the right technique might cause gum problems and bad breath.

Flossing

Floss daily to clean between teeth and remove food particles stuck between them. Even though I advise my patients every time, not many of them follow this important oral hygiene daily. The right way to floss is by holding the floss taut between thumb and middle fingers to glide it against both sides of each tooth.

Use Fluoride

Brushing and flossing alone are not enough to protect your teeth. Dentists recommend that you use fluoride, a natural mineral that provides excellent benefits to your teeth. It helps prevent cavities and is commonly found in toothpaste and mouthwashes. By strengthening the tooth, fluoride makes the teeth more resistant to acid attacks and reduces plaque formation.

Mouthwash

As I tell all my patients, mouthwashes contain antibacterial agents that control bacteria growth and prevent bad breath. A mouthwash rinses your teeth, gums, and tongue with the antiseptic chemical and prevents tooth decay. Remember, mouthwash is just an oral rinse and cannot replace brushing and flossing.

Limit Your Diet

Sugar in your food plays a significant role in causing tooth decays. The acids from the food chew away the enamel and penetrate deeper into the teeth. Sugar is available not only in candies and desserts but also in all processed foods. Starchy foods can also increase the number of bacteria in your mouth when they break down into simple sugars.

A couple brushing their teeth while looking at the mirror in the bathroom

Dental Care Tips To Improve Oral Health

Click Here – To know more about the ways to keep your gums healthy. The easiest way to reduce oral health issues is to prevent them. Even though people realise the importance of this, many of them neglect to follow our advice. Dental caries and gum disease are important markers of oral health. Studies reveal that good oral health also contributes to your general wellbeing. That’s why it is important to recognise when your oral health needs treatment and visit your dental clinic immediately whenever something is bothering your teeth. I advise my patients to follow these simple tips that have a significant impact on maintaining good dental care:

  • While brushing, ensure that you reach all sides of each tooth. Sawing motion will only lead to damaging the teeth.
  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect the enamel and prevent gum erosion. Losing the enamel may increase tooth sensitivity.
  • Make sure that you change your toothbrush every three months or as soon as the ends are frayed.
  • While flossing, avoid the ineffective way of snapping up and down between teeth which might also be painful.
  • Be careful of what you eat and ensure that they don’t linger in your mouth. Take charge of your overall health by being conscious of your diet.
  • Make sure you drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables.

Good oral practices ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy. And don’t forget to visit your dentists regularly to prevent dental issues.

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