Seven oral hygiene tips for healthy teeth

Bad breath is a major turn off for most people.

Poor oral hygiene can make one lose out of many opportunities in life because people would want to avoid you like a plague.

So what can you do to make sure your smile is bright and your breath is fresh?

Here are seven oral hygiene tips.

Brush well

Many people brush regularly, but simply don’t do it well enough for their teeth to stay clean.

Experts recommend brushing for at least two minutes, twice daily.

Use a mouthwash

Mouthwash can go where toothbrushes and floss can’t get to. Mouthwash helps neutralise plaque bacteria and reduce early signs of gum disease like gingivitis.

Add mouthwash to your oral care regimen to ensure deep cleaning.

Clean your brush

Covering your toothbrush can actually breed new bacteria and introduce it into your mouth.

Instead, just rinse your brush after each use and allow it to air dry.

You should also avoid sharing brushes with others, even your kids.

Floss

Like brushing, flossing must be done properly so that, when you reach between teeth, you actually get to the germs that are stuck there.

Scrape your tongue

Some toothbrushes now come with a ridged tongue-scraper on the back of the brush.

After brushing, bacteria can still remain on the tongue, so be sure to brush or scrape your tongue as part of your daily routine.

Not only will it banish bacteria, but cleaning your tongue can also help freshen your breath.

Visit the dentist regularly

Make dental visits part of your oral hygiene routine.

Visit your dentist twice a year to help keep tooth stains under control and identify oral hygiene issues before any serious problems arise.

Watch your diet

A nutritious, balanced diet is essential for your overall health, and it’s important for your oral hygiene too.

Be sure to include plenty of dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.

Some foods that are especially good for oral hygiene include cheese, yogurt, milk, and peanuts. These foods can help remove sugars from the tooth surface and protect the teeth from plaque.