How can I improve my oral hygiene?

Keeping up good standards of oral hygiene is not only important to the health of your mouth, but the rest of your body too. While most people associate oral care with preventing cavities, gum disease, and bad breath, research shows that poor oral hygiene can affect far more than just your mouth.

Studies suggest that conditions such as gingivitis and periodontitis may contribute to wider health problems, including¹:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Stroke
• Endocarditis
• Pneumonia

So, how can you improve your oral hygiene?

1. Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste^1,2,3

Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste is one of the most effective ways to protect your teeth. Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay. It’s important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush, as harder bristles can damage both your gums and tooth enamel over time. Brush your teeth with your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle towards your gums to help sweep away plaque and bacteria.

Aim to brush for at least two minutes each time, ensuring you clean all surfaces of your teeth, including along the gumline where plaque can build up.

2. Floss once a day

Did you know that brushing only cleans 60% of your tooth’s surface⁴? Floss, floss picks and interdental brushes help to clean in between the gaps in your teeth, dislodging food and removing plaque⁵.

3. Brush your tongue⁶

Your tongue can hold onto bacteria that contributes to bad breath and poor oral hygiene,  it is important to remember to brush your tongue. Brushing your tongue gently with your toothbrush can help remove the buildup or you may prefer to buy a tongue scraper which is specifically designed for this purpose and can make tongue cleaning easier and more comfortable.

4. Use an antibacterial mouthwash

You should use a mouthwash daily. Antibacterial mouthwash helps reduce oral bacteria¹. In addition to washing away food and debris, it also reduces plaque buildup. When using a mouthwash, you should avoid using it straight after brushing as this will wash away the concentrated fluoride left on your teeth from the toothpaste⁷.

5. Visit your dentist regularly

Routine dental appointments are essential for good oral health¹. If you have good oral hygiene the NHS recommends visiting your dentist every 12 to 24 months, while those with problems will need to visit more often⁸.

What oral hygiene products are available?

On top of the usual toothbrush and dental floss there are other products available to help you maintain a good standard of oral health. These include:

• Floss picks
• Interdental brushes
• Tongue scrapers
• Tongue cleaners

Dentek provides options for not only cleaning your mouth, but to help protect and repair too.

References

1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16914-oral-hygiene
2. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-teeth-and-gums/take-care-of-your-teeth-and-gums/
3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11195-fluoride
4. https://www.dentalhealth.org/blog/cleaning-between-teeth-the-secret-behind-a-truly-healthy-smile#:~:text=Stephen%20Loat&text=When%20you%20think%20about%20maintaining,to%20your%20oral%20health%20routine.
5. https://dentek-eu.com/clean-type/floss-picks/
6. https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-clean-your-tongue
7. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-teeth-and-gums/how-to-keep-your-teeth-clean/
8. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-teeth-and-gums/dental-check-ups/