You might think that simple brushing and flossing are all you need to do to care for your teeth at home. And well, you might be a bit right on the money with that one. However, are you really doing as good of a job as you think? Here are some tips to help you brush up on the basics of proper oral hygiene at home.
1. Don’t Skimp on Daily Brushing
First things first, don’t rush too much when you brush. You’ll need to thoroughly brush your teeth for at least two minutes if you want to enjoy a life free of painful cavities and swollen gums. Remember to brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth, as well. These areas of your teeth are very much at risk of painful cavities since they tend to be the most exposed to food debris and bacteria.
It’s also important to think about when to brush instead of just how to brush. Avoid brushing right after meals or hot drinks. Brushing too soon strips precious enamel away from your teeth, causing cavities and tooth sensitivity. Instead, wait 30 minutes to an hour after meals or snacks to brush. If you’re in a rush to brush right after breakfast or lunch, rinse with water first to lessen any damage to your teeth.
2. Use Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride is your best defense against harmful cavities and bacteria. It shields your teeth against nasty microbes that can cause tooth decay, reverse signs of wear and tear in your teeth due to diet or poor oral hygiene, and make tooth enamel stronger than ever before. The next time you need to go shopping for toothpaste, remember to pick products that contain a healthy amount of fluoride.
3. Use the Right Tools
It can be overwhelming to pick what you should brush and floss with when there are all kinds of fancy gadgets and gizmos lined up on the shelf. Try to pick toothbrushes that meet the following criteria the next time you go shopping for your daily oral hygiene needs:
- Soft-bristles. Your toothbrush should have bristles that can cleanse your teeth and gums without damaging precious tooth enamel.
- Easy handle designs. You won’t be able to brush properly with a tool that can barely fit in your hand. Try to pick toothbrushes that are the same length or width as those you can use comfortably.
- Brand new condition. Used toothbrushes are always a huge no-no. Stick to toothbrushes that are in durable and brand new condition.
- No charcoal. Although a lot of people love to rave over the cleansing benefits of charcoal, there aren’t any studies that prove they’re more effective than a regular toothbrush. Charcoal can also strip away precious enamel from your teeth with prolonged use.
- Tongue cleaners included. If possible, look for toothbrushes with tongue cleaner attachments on the back. These can help you get rid of nasty odor-causing bacteria and reduce any risk of fungal infection.
- Electric or battery-powered. These aren’t compulsory, but they are great tools to have if you suffer from motor problems or if your teeth are tougher to clean than usual. Electric toothbrushes can also get rid of more plaque, dirt, and bacteria than a regular toothbrush can so do try one when you can!
4. Keep Your Toothbrush Clean
Your toothbrush can easily gather bacteria from anywhere if it isn’t rinsed and stored properly. Always rinse your toothbrush with water after brushing to get rid of any lingering bacteria. Don’t let your toothbrush lie down on the counter, either. Instead, keep it in an upright position inside your medicine cabinet. You should also let your toothbrush air-dry properly as bacteria can gather and multiply in a moist environment. If you have roommates, keep your toothbrushes separate to avoid nasty cross-contamination.
5. Floss Every Day
Your toothbrush isn’t the only oral hygiene tool you should be relying on. Flossing doesn’t just get rid of food bits stuck between teeth, but it also keeps your gums in good shape. Your toothbrush may not always get rid of harmful plaque stuck near your gums, but a good string of floss will always get the job done.
Flossing once a day is enough to ensure healthy gums. When flossing, wind around 18 inches of dental floss around the middle fingers on each hand. Gently slide the floss between your teeth (don’t force it down!) then rub each side of your teeth in an up-and-down motion. Carefully remove the string of floss once it’s been used, then repeat the process with fresh floss.
There are plenty of alternatives you can use if you’re having trouble using dental floss. Many pharmacies sell ready-to-use dental flossers and interdental cleaners that can meet all your daily gum cleaning needs. Water flossers and home dental scalers also do a wonderful job of removing nasty plaque from places your toothbrush can’t reach.
6. Rinse with Mouthwash
Mouthwash is one of the best investments you can make for your oral health. These daily hygiene essentials reduce harmful acids and bacteria in your mouth so that you aren’t at risk of halitosis and other nasty health problems. They also help clean hidden corners and crevices right near your teeth and gums and make your teeth more resistant to painful cavities. Non-alcoholic mouthwashes are a must-have for anyone who wants to enjoy good tooth and gum health as they can keep your mouth clean without stripping away tooth enamel or killing off good bacteria.
7. Clean Your Tongue, Too
Your tongue also needs lots of love and care. Brushing your tongue with regular toothbrush bristles may not be a good idea as they aren’t designed for proper tongue cleaning. Instead, stick to tongue brushes and tongue scrapers. These gently scrape away harmful bacteria from the surface of your tongue to ensure that you don’t suffer from nasty halitosis or fungal infections. You can also keep your tongue clean using toothbrushes with tongue cleaner attachments on the back.
Dental scalers are another great tool to use for home oral care. These devices eliminate dirt, stubborn stains, plaque, and tartar from areas where your toothbrush and floss can’t reach. With the Meeteasy dental scaler, you can reap all the benefits of proper oral hygiene and keep your teeth in great shape before your next dental checkup. Order your own top-quality dental scaler from our online store now!