There’s so much more to oral hygiene than brushing your teeth twice a day.
With three meals a day, snacks, drinks like juice and coffee, smoking, there are a lot of things that can affect our oral hygiene. Even our genetic background or stress can impact mouth health, as well as other lifestyle factors.
While checking in with the dentist 1-2 times a year will help identify any areas for concern, it’s a good idea to discuss with them what additional things you could be doing to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
At home care can include flossing and brushing, but there are actually many other tools available to help you keep everything clean, healthy and stop bacteria or tartar building up. Kent Express has tons of tools, pastes, and gels available to help you enhance your daily routine; for the full range, check out kentexpress.co.uk.
Toothbrush and Paste
Of course, brushing your teeth is the first step to good oral hygiene. Although most of us stick to brushing twice a day, the Canadian Dental Association actually suggests brushing after every meal.
Whether you’re using a normal toothbrush or electric, dentists recommend changing it every three months. Usually, manual toothbrushes come in multi-packs, while replacement heads for your electric toothbrush can also be found in most supermarkets.
As for toothpaste, the options available can be overwhelming. Now, there are charcoal options, powdered toothpaste, different flavours and functions advertised on the packaging. In terms of main ingredients, fluoride toothpaste is best. Fluoride helps to keep your teeth protected, even when you’re eating, and can prevent tooth decay and cavities.
Those who feel their teeth are stained – for example, after drinking coffee or red wine – should look out for abrasive ingredients that can gently scrub the surface of the teeth.
Tongue Cleaner
Another way to improve dental hygiene, which you might not have considered, is tongue cleaning. Using a tongue cleaner – or the ribbed head of your toothbrush – to gently scrub your tongue can prevent bad breath and remove additional bacteria. It can also help to open up the tastebuds, meaning everything will taste that bit better!
Floss Tape and Tooth Picks
Flossing should be an integral part of your dental routine to avoid the buildup of tartar. Tartar is produced when plaque sticks to the teeth and hardens. It typically found behind the teeth or by the gum line and can often be yellow or brown. There are some toothpastes that can prevent this build-up, but regular flossing will do the trick too.
If you don’t like using dental floss, tape options are available, which are a little gentler. There are also toothpicks that have a floss component. Flossing is a great way to get between the teeth where a toothbrush typically overlooks.
Interdental Cleaners and Waterjets
Whether you’re using a disposable interdental cleaner or an electric waterjet, these tools are great for getting those hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. They can squeeze between the teeth to push out any bacteria or food particles – giving you an even deeper clean.
If you’re keen to enhance your dental routine, consult your dentist to find out the best tools they’d recommend for your specific needs.
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