6 Dental Hygiene Tips to Keep Your Mouth Healthy

With dental offices closing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it's more important than ever to maintain good oral hygiene habits at home. Routine dental hygiene and checkups are canceled so in the meantime, you need to work extra in caring for your teeth.

Make dental hygiene a priority to prevent dental issues that may require an urgent office visit. The following tips will help you take care of your teeth until your next checkup.

1. Brush at least twice a day. Get rid of food debris on your teeth. Brush thoroughly at least twice a day—in the morning and before going to bed. Spend at least two minutes covering all surface areas. Use a timer or play your favourite song while brushing. Brush in a circular motion and use short strokes when brushing back areas of the teeth, where plaque and tartar often accumulate.
2. Remember to clean your tongue. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your tongue, eliminating harmful bacteria that cause bad breath and other oral health conditions. Stick out your tongue and start with the back area and work your way forward. Brush lightly, spit, and rinse your mouth with water. You can also use a tongue scraper for a more thorough clean.
3. Use a fluoride toothpaste. When looking for a toothpaste, choose one with fluoride to replenish lost minerals in the tooth and slow down enamel erosion. It strengthens vulnerable tooth areas and prevents cavities. Always follow your dentist's recommendation and supervise children when brushing. Show them the right amount of toothpaste to use on their brush.
4. Floss your teeth and gums. Brushing alone isn’t enough to protect you from gum disease. Flossing maintains healthy gums. Unhealthy gums bleed and can lead to tooth loss. Regular flossing prevents tartar and plaque buildup at the gumline, removes food stuck between your teeth, and reduces the risk of developing gum disease.
5. Increase water intake. Beverages like black tea, coffee, and fruit juices convert to acid and attack tooth enamel. Water is the best drink for your teeth and for hydrating your body. It leaves no residue, promotes salivary flow, washes away food debris, and prevents bad breath. Make it a habit to drink water after every meal. Encourage your children to drink more water daily by following your example.
6. Include fruits and vegetables in your diet. Crunchy fruits and vegetables are high in fibre and stimulate saliva. Include them in every meal as much as possible. They’re healthy and convenient grab-and-go snacks too!

Look after your oral health not only during this difficult time, but every day. You’ll avoid the need for complex and expensive dental treatments down the road. Increase your confidence with your bright smile and boost your overall heath.