If the past year has taught us anything, it is the importance of hygiene and health. Never before have we been so conscious about maintaining cleanliness and rigorously following good habits in its pursuit. But how many among us give the same attention to our oral health? Apart from brushing and maybe flossing once a day, we barely give it a second thought.
That is until our teeth pay the price of neglect. From stained teeth and bad breath to serious cavities, oral health problems can take many forms. Treating dental problems is not only painful and time-consuming but also pricey. So why do we still ignore oral hygiene despite being aware of its bad effects? Laziness is one of the biggest reasons for dental problems.
The other big reason that people don’t give oral hygiene a second thought is because its ill effects are not immediately apparent. It takes years for plaque to build up into tartar or for bacteria to hollow your teeth down to its nerve. More than changing habits, it is crucial to change our mindset. And you can start from your home.
Here are our five tips for maintaining oral health at home.
- Brush at least twice a day
Let’s begin with the basics. Start your journey to better oral hygiene with brushing your teeth. Do this at least twice a day, once in the morning and once before sleeping. Brushing has two main benefits: it removes stuck food particles and massages your gums. Stuck food is a breeding ground for nasty bacteria while a massage stimulates blood flow to the gums and makes them stronger. Also, ensure that you brush in circular or up and down motions. They are the most effective.
- Gargle and rinse your mouth after eating
Since childhood, we have been taught to gargle and rinse our mouth after every meal. It is a good habit that most of us still follow. But we can take it one step further and rinse our mouth every time we eat something, and not just after meals. Food is food, and every time we eat something some of it hides in the nooks and crannies in the mouth. Gargle at least thrice for maximum cleaning.
- Use mouthwash
Mouthwash works like an antiseptic to kill all the harmful bacteria in the mouth. That’s why it stings a bit. But it is known to be useful in fighting bad breath and preventing tooth decay. It works the best immediately after brushing. Pour some mouthwash in the provided cup and drink it but do not swallow. Swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds and spit it out. Regular use, immediately after brushing, will improve your dental hygiene.
- Use proper equipment
Believe it or not, but the shape of your toothbrush is important for complete oral care! A toothbrush with a large head won’t reach the deep corners in your mouth. Choose one with a streamlined head. For best results and easier brushing you can also use automatic toothbrushes by Oracura. Select soft or medium-soft bristles. Hard bristles may injure your gums and damage tooth enamel. Replace your toothbrush after every three months. Also, use a toothpaste approved by the IDA (Indian Dental Association). Such toothpastes do not contain harmful chemicals.
- Floss daily
Flossing is crucial for completing the protective circle of oral health. Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between the teeth which a toothbrush cannot reach. When you floss, gently follow the curves of the teeth. Clean beneath the gumline but do not snap the floss on the gums. But for the best results, use a water flosser, like one from Oracura. Water flossing is a more efficient way to ensure complete oral hygiene. Oracura offers a wide range of compact and portable water flossers that help you take care of your teeth.
Follow these five tips rigorously and you will see a noticeable difference in your dental health. When it is a matter of protecting your teeth, prevention is definitely better than cure.
