Achieving healthy teeth takes a lifetime of care. Even if you’ve been told that you have nice teeth, it’s crucial to take the right steps every day to take care of them and prevent problems.
This involves getting the right oral care products, as well as being mindful of your daily habits. In honour of National Oral Health Month this month, LocumBase has put together some tips on how to maintain good oral hygiene.
1. Don’t go to bed without brushing your teeth
It’s no secret that the general recommendation is to brush at least twice a day. Still, many of us continue to neglect to brush our teeth at night, but brushing before bed gets rid of the germs and plaque that accumulate throughout the day.
2. Brush properly
The way you brush is equally important - in fact, doing a poor job of brushing your teeth is almost as bad as not brushing at all. Take your time, moving the toothbrush in gentle, circular motions to remove plaque. Unremoved plaque can harden, leading to calculus buildup and gingivitis (early gum disease).
3. Don’t neglect your tongue
Plaque can also build up on your tongue. Not only can this lead to bad mouth odour, but it can lead to other oral health problems. Gently brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth.
4. Treat flossing as important as brushing
Many who brush regularly neglect to floss. Flossing is not just for getting little pieces of food or broccoli that may be getting stuck in between your teeth. It’s really a way to stimulate the gums, reduce plaque, and help lower inflammation in the area.
Flossing once a day is usually enough to reap these benefits.
5. Consider mouthwash
Adverts make mouthwash seem necessary for good oral health, but many people skip them because they don’t know how they work. It reduces the amount of acid in the mouth, cleans hard-to-brush areas in and around the gums, and re-mineralises the teeth. Mouthwashes are useful as an adjunct tool to help bring things into balance.
6. Drink more water
Water continues to be the best beverage for your overall health - including oral health. Also, as a rule of thumb, drink water after every meal. This can help wash out some of the negative effects of sticky and acidic foods and beverages in between brushes.
7. See your dentist at least twice a year
Your own everyday habits are crucial to your overall oral health. Still, even the most dutiful brushers and flossers need to see a dentist regularly. At a minimum, you should see your dentist for cleanings and checkups twice a year. Not only can a dentist remove calculus and look for cavities, but they will also be able to spot potential issues and offer treatment solutions.
LocumBase is a software service platform that connects Medical Professionals and Practices directly with no hidden fees. We have over 6000 medical professionals signed up to our system across industries and over 700 active medical practices.
LocumBase and MedE Recruit are filling the gap with verified Dental Practitioners.
Feel free to contact us via email at hello@locumbase.com or drop us a WhatsApp at 079 013 3962.
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