An appointment at the dentist is not typically anyone’s idea of a great evening out. Many people fear the dentist (almost a third of people have some type of fear or anxiety around dentist visits) and people can feel judged or self-conscious while visiting the dentist. While this is true, the dentist is an important part of your oral hygiene routine, but only one part of it.
Everyone knows the standard oral hygiene advice.
- Brush your teeth twice a day
- Floss
- Don’t eat too much sugar
- Don’t smoke or drink too much coffee
- Go to the dentist regularly
This is common knowledge… but did you know that there are facts about your oral hygiene that aren’t commonly discussed? Facts that maybe no one has told you? It’s true! What are these facts?
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Your oral health is a good indication of the health of the rest of your body.
Your mouth is a window into the condition of other parts of your body. Poor oral health can lead and contribute to many diseases but it can also be an indication of disease in your body, including HIV, osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s.
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Oral hygiene is more than having a beautiful smile.
Having a stunning smile is great but pearly white teeth don’t mean you have great oral health. Oral hygiene includes the condition of your gums, tongue and cheeks, as well as the density and strength of your teeth.
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There is an efficacy window for flossing your teeth.
As you eat, food is broken down and settles in between the teeth, if it is not flossed away within 8 to 12 hours, it starts to harden and become plaque and tarter.
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Make sure to wash your toothbrush holder.
Washing your toothbrush holder can be easily forgotten. Remember to wash your toothbrush holder or you will be depositing bacteria in your mouth as you are brushing.
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Your brushing technique is critical to good oral hygiene.
According to Chetan from Mola Dental “Make sure you use a technique that removes the plaque and food residue from your gums. Simply brushing back and forth is better than nothing but it won’t lead to great oral hygiene.”
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Seconds count when brushing your teeth.
It’s easy to rush the last part of your evening routine. Don’t do it! Make sure to brush your teeth for a full 2 minutes, every time.
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Mouthwash is an important step that you need for good oral hygiene.
Everyone knows about brushing and flossing but mouthwash is a crucial part of your oral hygiene. Do not skip this step!
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Drinking water will improve your oral health.
Drinking lots of water helps your oral hygiene by keeping your mouth clean and lowering the level of acidity in your saliva.
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Don’t brush too often or floss too hard.
Brushing too often or flossing too hard will damage your teeth and gums. Don’t brush after eating acidic foods and be gentle when flossing.
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A better diet leads to better oral hygiene.
Diets low in sugar and highly processed foods will lead to better oral health.
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Brushing at night is more important than in the morning, but don’t skip either one.
Brushing in the morning removes any plaque that has built up overnight and helps with bad breath. Brushing before bed removes the day’s debris from your mouth, reducing the number of bacteria and plaque that can build overnight. Don’t skip either one but never skip brushing before bed! Your mouth will thank you.