Oral Health Basics: How Do I Keep My Mouth Healthy?
Keeping your mouth healthy and looking after your chompers goes beyond being confident with your smile. Your breath, gum and tongue health are part of a complete system that needs to be cared for. In this guide we will be breaking down the basics of oral health and hygiene, helping you keep your whole mouth healthy.
Brushing thoroughly and with proper technique
Brushing our teeth regularly and properly lies at the heart of good oral health. In addition to replacing your toothbrush regularly (we recommend at least every six months, as the bristles wear down and look frayed) and using a soft toothbrush to avoid gum damage, it is also crucial to use proper technique.
Proper brushing technique is straightforward. Here’s our guide to proper brushing:
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Load a pea-sized amount of your preferred toothpaste. We recommend toothpaste that contains fluoride.
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Tilt your brush with bristles half on the gum half on the teeth, and brush your teeth downwards, away from the gumline. Make sure you cover the front of all your teeth. Or even better use an electric toothbrush!
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Gently brush the inside and surface of your teeth, with brisk back-and-forth sweeps.
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Brush your tongue – beginning at the back and working your way towards the tip. Your tongue carries a lot of bacteria and is often the source of unpleasant-smelling breath.
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Rinse your mouth gently with water.
Floss regularly
An often-forgotten step, flossing is still a vital part of oral hygiene. Food gets stuck between our teeth, leading to plaque build-up. If left unchecked, this can contribute towards gum disease.
Thankfully correctly flossing is simple. Here’s how to floss properly:
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Wind floss around your fingers.
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Gently guide the floss up between your teeth. Once at the gum line, curve into a C shape, and slide up and down the gap, and gently back and forth.
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As the floss gets dirty, continue to wind around one finger, while unwinding fresh floss from the other, or rinse under water.
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Repeat on each tooth, including your back molars.
Drink plenty of water
Studies consistently show that water is the best drink for our teeth – particularly when it is fluoridated. Unlike juice or soft drinks, water cleans our teeth, washing away leftover food that bacteria love. Conversely, the sugar content in juices and soft drinks help feed bacteria. When we add fluoride to our water, we add crucial minerals that help our bodies fight dental decay.
Visit the dentist often
Your dentist is your key to long-term oral health. Timely visits ensure you have a professional eye on your mouth, helping you keep track as your teeth and gums age over time. What’s more, preventative dentistry focuses on addressing problems before they start – that may include a minor dental filling before cavities spiral as well as behavioural changes to keep your mouth healthy.
A close relationship to your dentist is the key to a life of good oral health. Additionally, regular visiting is often cheaper in the long-term. Complex dental procedures like root canals and implants are expensive and can be avoided when you care for your teeth properly.
Care for your oral health today
Positive oral hygiene contributes to long-term health for our teeth, gums, and tongue. The effect of poor oral health, meanwhile, contributes to overall poor health, including an increased risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. Thankfully, oral health is basic and straightforward, and once part of a routine, it’s easy. Your body will thank you for it, and you will feel confident in your smile.
If you are looking for the leading dentist Wellington can offer, look to Naenae Dental Clinic. Contact us today to book an appointment or call 04 567 4752. Get back on top of your oral health with Naenae Dental Clinic.