Oral hygiene is critical for keeping one’s teeth and gums healthy. It entails practices like brushing twice a day and getting regular dental examinations.

On the other hand, Oral health encompasses more than just cavities and gum disease. There is a correlation between a person’s dental health and overall health, according to the study. According to experts, oral health problems constitute a worldwide health burden.

Untreated dental decay and gum disease can cause discomfort, self-esteem difficulties, and tooth loss. These worries can lead to malnutrition, speech impairments, and other problems at work, school, or in one’s personal life.

Proper dental care, both at home and in the dentist’s office, can assist patients in avoiding these problems. The following are some of the most effective strategies for keeping your teeth and gums healthy.

• Brushing should be done regularly, but not vigorously.

Brushing your teeth twice a day is a must-do regimen for removing plaque and bacteria and keeping your teeth clean. Brushing, on the other hand, may only be successful if individuals apply the proper technique.

Brushing should be done in tiny circular strokes, making sure to brush the front, rear, and top of each tooth. This technique takes around 2 to 3 minutes to finish. Back-and-forth saw movements should be avoided.

• Fluoride (not Fluorine!) FTW!

Fluoride is derived from the element fluorine found in the earth’s soil. Fluoride is widely believed to help prevent cavities by many professionals, and it is a popular element in toothpaste and mouthwash.

Other dental products, however, do not include fluoride, and some people do not use it at all.

Even if an individual takes proper care of their teeth, a deficiency of fluoride can lead to tooth decay. Brushing and flossing can not eliminate cavities if fluoride is not used, according to recent research.

Fluoride has been added to the water supply in several areas around the United States. Several organizations advocate this approach such as:

1. World Health Organization (WHO)
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
3. American Diabetes Association (ADA)

• Regular Flossing is the key

Flossing may remove plaque and bacteria from between the teeth that a toothbrush cannot. It can also help to avoid bad breath by removing debris and food that has been caught between the teeth.

Most dentists advocate carefully pushing the floss all the way down to the gumline before embracing the tooth with up-and-down motions. It is critical to avoid snapping the floss up and down between the teeth, which can cause pain and reduce the effectiveness of plaque removal.

• Visit the Dentist Regularly

Experts recommend that individuals visit a dentist every six months for a checkup. During a routine dental visit, a hygienist will cleanse the teeth and eradicate the plaque and tough tartar.

The dentist will examine you for visible indicators of cavities, gum disease, mouth cancer, and other oral health problems. Dental X-Rays can also be utilized to check for cavities.

New research found that children and teenagers should visit the dentist every six months to help avoid cavities. Adults who practice appropriate dental hygiene daily and are at low risk of oral health issues, on the other hand, may be able to go less frequently.