Oral hygiene is the kind of thing most people don’t want to hear about.
It’s not that they don’t care. They just figure if they’re already doing it twice every day, there can’t be much more to learn. After all, what adult doesn’t how to brush their teeth properly?
Well, you’d be surprised by the answer. According to a recent study, around 30% of Australians brush their teeth just once per day. When it comes to flossing, 32% admit to never making it a part of their routine, while 37% floss infrequently. So, it’s clear that what happens at the bathroom sink doesn’t always match what we tell our dentists.
Fortunately, it’s possible to improve your oral health with a few simple actions. Here are some helpful tips from a top rated dentist in South Melbourne.
Brush for Longer
There’s a reason dentists are so particular about the correct way to brush; it works. Even if you brush twice every day, you could still be doing your teeth a disservice if you do it too quickly. The recommended method is brushing for a minimum of two minutes, ideally three.
Get the Technique Right
Start with the brush at a forty-five degrees angle to your gums. With brisk movements back and forth, clean the sides and tops of the teeth first. Then, angle the brush vertically and reach down to the inside surfaces. Plaque tends to build here because it’s an easy spot to forget.
Use a Good Toothbrush
Needless to say, if you’re using an old, tired toothbrush, you’re not cleaning at full capacity. You could also be introducing additional bacteria into your mouth. In order to prevent this and guarantee a thorough clean, brushes must be replaced once every three to four months.
Keep the Brush Clean
Toothbrushes are breeding grounds for bacteria because their primary job is to remove it. Fortunately, keeping yours free of leftover toothpaste and dry when not in use is enough to prevent build up. To disinfect and deep clean, soak it in antibacterial mouthwash.
Invest in a Tongue Scraper
You can pick up a tongue scraper for just a few dollars in most pharmacies. They gently remove bacteria from the surface of the tongue, so that it doesn’t cause bad breath. Some toothbrushes actually have ridges on the back and can be used as basic scrapers.
Floss the Right Way
The subject of flossing has been a bit controversial lately, with some dentists now saying it isn’t essential. Nevertheless, if you are going to floss, you must do it properly. Each piece should be about eighteen inches long and rub against teeth in a kind of arc or ‘C’ shape.
Top It Off with Mouthwash
Certainly, if you don’t floss, you should be rinsing with mouthwash. Like flossing, it reaches areas of the mouth that are hard to get with a brush alone. In fact, antibacterial mouthwash is an excellent way to protect against the germs that cause gum disease.
Don’t Snack After Hours
Unless you’re prepared to brush a second or third time before bed, resist the temptation to snack late at night. When you’re tired, you’re less likely to make smart decisions. Going to sleep with dirty teeth may seem like a tiny fail, but it’s actually very tough on your mouth.
Why Visiting the Dentist Is the Best Protection
If you really care about your oral health, you need to keep up with regular dental appointments. It may not be the most exciting activity in the world, but it is a small price to pay for strong, beautiful teeth. Everybody lapses now and again, but you’ve got to get back on track as quickly as possible. Don’t go longer than a year without booking a full oral exam.