Maintaining good oral health doesn’t have to be such an ordeal. Basic steps practiced daily can make a great difference. Yet, so many people often overlook their oral health. And this is more common among younger people who haven’t had dental problems, which can be quite painful and the treatment could be expensive.
Moreover, while there are treatments for almost every dental problem, it’s usually a good idea to preserve the natural state of the teeth instead of going for veneers, dentures, and other such options. Meaning, prevention is better than cure. And this ‘prevention’ part requires a thorough oral health care routine, which, as mentioned earlier, isn’t “so difficult”. Here’s how an ideal oral health routine looks like:
- Brushing twice a day; at least two minutes each time. Make sure you’re reaching and spending equal amounts of time in each quadrant of the mouth. Use the right quality toothbrush that doesn’t have hard bristles and provides right angles to reach every corner of the mouth.
- After brushing your mouth, rinse your mouth with mouthwash (that contains fluoride). Do this for at least 30 seconds, swish the wash in the mouth properly, and spit it out.
- Flossing at least once a day is important. In the corners of your mouth, food can get stuck, which brushing and mouth-washing might not help get rid of. So, invest in good-quality dental floss. When flossing, make sure to not hurt or damage your gums. Be gentle.
- Don’t forget your tongue, because many people do. Clean your tongue daily. You can do this with your toothbrush or buy a tongue cleaner or scrapper.
- Look out for early signs of any dental problem. Is your tooth yellowing? Is your gum line receding? Do your teeth feel sensitive when you eat something cold? Keep an eye for such signs that may indicate poor dental health.
- Visit a dentist every 6 months for regular checkups. In addition to ensuring you have good dental health, the dentist may also make the necessary fixes during such visits (like teeth cleaning) so that your dental health remains in good condition. So, Google “best dentist near me” or “community health centers near me“, find a good dental clinic, and make an appointment immediately if it has been a while since you visited a dentist for a checkup.
That’s all!! These are the basic steps involved in an ideal oral health routine. Build one such routine and encourage your family members to have one too.
