Dental hygiene is extremely important to an individual’s overall health and wellness. Our teeth help us to chew, to speak, and to form the shape of our mouth. Because of these reasons, it’s absolutely essential that we look after our teeth to the best of our ability. 

What is oral hygiene?

The basic definition of oral hygiene refers to the process of keeping your mouth (teeth, gums and tongue) in top condition. It’s all about keeping your teeth free from decay and gum disease (periodontal disease), and this comes with regular flossing and brushing. It’s also recommended that you take a trip to your dentist regularly so you can get a professional to monitor your oral health. 

What are the consequences of poor dental health?

The consequences of not upkeeping your dental routine can be severe, even as doom and gloom as diabetes and cancer. 

When gum disease arises, it sometimes means that bacteria can get into your bloodstream via your gums. Gum disease can also cause inflammation of your blood vessels, which may lead to the vessels blocking the blood supply to your brain and causing a stroke. Research also suggests that diabetes is also linked to gum disease. 

Those individuals who have healthy teeth and gums are less likely to develop dementia and cancer too, particularly women. 

Other consequences of poor dental health include more physical issues like tooth staining and bad breath (halitosis). Tooth staining is natural and normal to some degree, especially if you drink a lot of coffee, tea and red wine. However, not brushing your teeth can also have the same effect, and cause premature tooth staining. Bad breath can be really common and is caused by a buildup of plaque and food debris. So to steer clear of it, get your dental hygiene routine in check. 

How to improve and maintain your oral health

The goal of any dental hygiene routine is to stop plaque from building up on your teeth, which can lead to issues like gum disease and tooth decay. 

There are many things you can do to make sure that your oral health is in the best possible condition it can be. So here are a few things that should already be implemented in your routine, and if they’re not, it’s a good idea to add them in. 

Brush regularly and correctly

Brushing your teeth twice a day, for two minutes a day is basic, but a vital step you should be taking to ensure the health of your teeth. 

Brushing your teeth will help to reduce tooth decay, which can later lead to cavities. Cavities are more serious as this means that you may get holes in your teeth. This can be extremely painful and difficult to get rid of. Also, brushing your teeth will help to prevent gum disease, and not brushing your teeth for a couple of days can cause gum disease, which is why it’s key to establish a dental routine and keep to it. 

There are so many different types of brushes available, from electric to manual toothbrushes, and smaller to larger head brushes. There are even brushes that specialise in making your teeth look really white. It’s advised that you should change your toothbrush head every three to four months, so they don’t fray or bristles don’t fall out. 

The correct method is to hold your brush at a forty-five-degree angle to your gums, then move the brush in short strokes back and forth. Don’t forget to brush both sides of your teeth, back and front. 

Floss daily

Flossing is so commonly forgotten about, but again it’s a key step you should take. The act of flossing works alongside brushing to remove any plaque which may be stuck between your teeth. Flossing gets in those areas where a toothbrush can’t reach. 

Like brushing, you should aim to floss once or twice a day. As floss is small and discreet to carry, you can pretty much floss anywhere and on the go. Flossing after a meal, or after brushing your teeth is a good idea as it fits in with your daily routine. 

The way to floss is to slide the floss between your teeth and then move the floss to get in between the gum line to ensure that all plaque is removed. It’s not rare for your gums to bleed a little the first time you floss, however, if this continues, a trip to the dentist could be in order. 

Visit a dentist often

Regular visits to the dentist will keep your dental health in check. A dentist can spot any problems early, so they can be prevented then solved. It’s advised that you should be visiting the dentist around every six months. 

Use mouthwash

Mouthwash should never be used as an alternative to brushing your teeth, but it is a great way of making your breath smell extra fresh. This isn’t the only benefit of it though. From maintaining the strength of your teeth to killing and removing any bacteria, mouthwash has a whole host of benefits. 

Drink more water and live a healthy lifestyle

This tip is relatively basic, but drinking water will keep your mouth clean. Plaque cannot settle in a clean and healthy mouth, and acids from your food will be diluted by the water. Drinking water is good for you anyway, so this tip will not only benefit your mouth but also the rest of your body too. 

Your lifestyle is a really important one too. Don’t overly limit what you eat, but watching your intake of high-sugar foods and drinks will benefit your mouth. 

All of these things will lead to a boost in your confidence

Everybody wants a smile that will make them feel beautiful, feel confident and powerful.

You shouldn’t have to pay a price for a good smile, which is why it’s important to install preventative measures now. Nobody wants to be a victim of tooth decay, so brush and floss your teeth to make sure that’s not the case.