A lot of people’s oral hygiene solely consists of just brushing their teeth regularly. While this can work, you could start to find yourself still having oral issues such as toothache and cavities. A lot of people go beyond just brushing their teeth, as it can reduce the risk of certain issues and prevent a troublesome trip to the dentist to fix something that could have easily been avoided.
Here are some ways to improve your oral hygiene beyond brushing.
A simple way to improve your oral hygiene is to not brush your teeth immediately after eating and drinking. Food and drinks with a low PH can temporarily soften the enamel of your teeth, and brushing immediately could then remove this enamel. So if you’ve been having citrus, sodas, wine or other low PH items, it is advised to wait 30 to 60 minutes before you brush.
One of the most common oral hygiene techniques people use in addition to brushing is flossing. Flossing can help to dislodge food that is stuck between the teeth, which can help to reduce excess plaque and bacteria from building up in your mouth. This can contribute to cavities and gum disease. While it is recommended to brush your teeth twice a day, flossing is usually only recommended once a day.
Another extremely common addition to a dental routine is mouthwash. Mouthwash can be very versatile, with many different variations that each tout different benefits. One may help treat gum disease while another can freshen breath all day long. Most mouthwashes' goal is to kill oral bacteria that brushing alone doesn’t.
If you think your teeth are looking a bit yellow, eating specific foods can actually help. Raw, fibrous food such as celery, apples, pears and carrots help scrub tooth surfaces, neutralise acids and remove some of the plaque. Food and drink to avoid if you want your teeth shining include coffee, soda and red wine. These foods are high in acid which will dull the colour of your teeth.
The dentist isn't just for when you have a problem, it can actually improve your oral hygiene. Visiting a dentist can diagnose and treat any existing problems while allowing your mouth to be cleaned with professional equipment that you won’t have access to at home.
No matter how good your oral hygiene is, a trip to the dentist should not be avoided, even if this is just for a regularly scheduled check-up. Manor Road Dental Practice has been providing 30 years of experience in dentistry services to our customers in Swansea, along with cosmetic dentistry and facial aesthetics.
So whether you have a serious issue or just need an annual check-up, call today on 01792 653826 to book an appointment. If you want to find out more about the range of dentistry services we offer,
visit our website now.