Dental Hygiene is undoubtedly one of the most important factors and biggest indicators of overall health. However, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), periodontal disease in adults has decreased from the early 1970s until the latest National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted in 2004. Clearly, people are once again beginning to neglect their oral hygiene habits. Here are some standard habits to get back into to keep your smile as healthy as it can be.
Brushing at least twice a day is absolutely imperative to oral hygiene. Take two full minutes, use a generous amount of toothpaste and a gentle brush, and make sure to reach even the hard-to-reach spots at the back of your mouth, teeth, and gums. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that individuals brush their teeth for two minutes twice a day with a toothbrush that has soft bristles, and this is probably the best and most important procedure of oral hygiene as a whole. Brushing between meals is typically the best practice, but if you have questions about specifics, talk to your dentist or another certified oral hygiene professional.
Tooth decay is running rampant, even in children, and the best way to combat it from an early age is to limit sugar intake and floss regularly. While brushing is ideal for cleaning your mouth as a whole, flossing once or twice each day helps to remove the bits between your teeth that a brush just can’t get to. A roll of floss is all it takes to get started, but hand held flossers are preferred by many people due to their ease of use.
Finally — and this should be a given — make sure to stop eating and drinking anything but water once you’ve finished brushing and flossing for the night. Dental emergencies often arise from poor maintenance or complete lack of maintenance, and eating sugary foods after you’ve finished brushing can cause even more damage.
Ultimately, these are the best practices to develop to keep your mouth clean and heathy. For more dental information regarding dental bridges and debridement, contact a professional.
