If having an excellent oral hygiene routine is something that’s taken a back seat in your typical daily schedule, now is the perfect time to revamp your oral hygiene. Dedicating just 10 minutes out of your day to your teeth and gums will make sure they stay healthy, strong and decay-free.
Why is having good oral hygiene important?
Once your adult teeth come through as a child, those teeth have got to last you a lifetime – you have no replacements. In order to keep these teeth healthy, strong and free of decay, you must practise excellent oral hygiene on a daily basis.
During the day, your teeth come into contact with a range of different foods and drinks that contain sugar and acids. These types of substances produce plaque, which when left on the teeth, will start to attack and erode the teeth. This can lead to tooth decay, sensitivity and even gum disease – the leading form of tooth loss.
What is considered a good daily oral hygiene routine?
An effective oral hygiene routine doesn’t have to take up a lot of your time, nor do you need lots of different equipment. We can break down a good oral hygiene routine into three main steps.
Brushing your teeth
Brushing your teeth is the fundamental part of keeping your teeth and gums clean. Using a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste, brush your teeth twice per day. We would recommend using an electric toothbrush, as people find them easier to navigate around the mouth – making them more effective than manual brushes.
It is important to not apply too much pressure onto the brush as this can slowly wear down the enamel of the teeth. If you are using an electric toothbrush, gently guide it around the surfaces of the teeth and let it do the rest.
We would recommend brushing your teeth in the morning (before or after breakfast) and the last thing before bed. Make sure to wait at least half an hour after eating before brushing.
Cleaning between the teeth
Cleaning between the teeth using dental floss tape or interdental brushes is needed to be done on a daily basis. Whether you do this in the morning or in the evening is down to your preference. You can choose to floss before brushing, or after brushing and it will be just as effective. The most important thing is that you’re removing any plaque and debris from between the teeth.
Find out more about how to floss your teeth effectively here.
Rinsing with mouthwash
After brushing, always rinse your mouth out with alcohol-free mouthwash. Not only does mouthwash help to prevent bad breath, but it will prevent bacteria from forming in between brushes. Rinsing after brushing your teeth will also remove any remaining debris from the mouth.
An important thing to remember is that regular hygienist appointments are also required to be able to maintain excellent oral hygiene. No matter how well you clean your teeth at home, there will always be hard to reach areas of the mouth that only a professional clean will reach.
To book an appointment with us please call on 1800 3090 830.
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