dental hygiene

If you're wondering about dental hygiene and what kind of dental hygiene will give you white and healthy teeth, then you've reached the right place. Taking care of your teeth and gums is utmost important, because not only do those 32 pearly whites help you chew and talk but they also help you look good; not to mention the mouth's direct connection with heart health and overall comfort. Over the years, dental hygiene has involved many tools and practises; from baking soda to datun, and more recently from normal toothbrushes to electronic toothbrushes.

Studies have also shown that dental hygiene is important for your overall well being. Besides, fighting against bad breath and yellow teeth, good dental hygiene helps prevent artery and heart diseases. Hence to maintain good overall health and keep your pearly whites in tip-top shape

 Brushing

The first basic step for pearly white teeth is brushing at least twice a day i.e. in the morning and before we go to bed.  Brushing in the morning helps to remove plaque and bacteria that have been accumulated over night. Brushing at night is important because saliva (helps to wash the cavity-causing plaque off teeth) dries up as we sleep.

 Right brushing technique

Make sure that you place your brush at an angle of 45 degree against the gums. Move the brush back and forth gently in small strokes. Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces and the chewing surfaces thoroughly. Use the tips of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke.

Dental Hygiene Tip # 3: White-teeth diet

If your food or beverage is dark before you put in your mouth, then there is high possibility that it will stain your teeth. Give up, red wine, black tea, cigarettes, colas and dark juices if you want pearly white teeth.

 Brush after eating 

Though it is not possible to brush, soon after eating and drinking anything. But, if you want to maintain pearly white teeth and at the same time you can’t get away with dark food, then worry not! Brush immediately after eating or drinking food that stain teeth and use a good bleaching agent recommended by your dentist.

While picking up a toothbrush, make sure you buy a soft head or medium head toothbrush. Toothbrushes with soft head are best to remove plaque and for your gums. Avoid hard bristles as they can be tough on teeth and cause irritation of the enamel and bleeding of the gums.

 When to buy a new toothbrush?

Change your toothbrush every two or three months for good dental and oral health. If you use the same old toothbrush for a long time, then the bacteria will collect on the bristles and will go back into your mouth. Moreover, the bristles will become soft and will not be able to remove plaque and bacteria properly.

 You should be comfortable with the equipment

Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush which fits your mouth comfortably. If you choose any random toothbrush, you will face difficulty while brushing your teeth; like bleeding of the gums. Due to these reasons, you will not brush your teeth effectively and you will not be able to maintain the desired dental health.

A tongue scraper is ten times more effective than brushing your tongue with a toothbrush. Cleaning your tongue in the morning with a tongue scraper will help to remove tongue plaque and freshen up your breathe. Tongue cleaning will also help to banish buildup of bacteria on the tongue and prevent bad breathe.

While playing or carrying out dangerous adventures, use a mouth guards to protect your teeth. Mouth guards will help to prevent damage to your teeth and gums.

 Mouthwash is important

Rinse your mouth with a good antiseptic mouthwash at least twice a day. Talk to your dentist about which mouthwash is best for your oral and dental health. Mouthwash helps to maintain maximum dental health, as it can reach areas which are not touched by brushing and flossing. Make sure, you never swallow your mouthwash.

Use your kitchen 
Brush with baking soda or salt at least once a week. Use it as a toothpaste substitute. Brushing with baking soda, will help to remove stains and white your teeth quickly.

Keep your mouth equipments clean
Rinse your toothbrush or any other mouth cleaning equipments thoroughly after its usage. Store your toothbrush in an upright position, to avoid contact with dust or any other fine particles and allow it to air dry until next usage.

Avoid oral piercing and oral tattoos as far as possible. Stephen says, "Both oral piercing and oral tattoos can be bad for your mouth and overall health, as it leads to transfer of bacteria."

Every morning gargle with apple cider vinegar and then follow with regular brushing. This technique will help to remove stains and whiten the teeth. Vinegar will also help to kill bacteria present in the mouth and gums and will ensure good breathe.

Regular dentist visit
For good dentall health and to prevent gum disease and other health problems, make sure you schedule a regular dental cleanings and oral examinations. This will prevent you from spending on unnecessary expenses on major dental problems. Make sure you visit a dentist at least twice a year and tell your dentist about your various health problems before starting up any medication.

Go for a healthy diet
Eat a healthy diet, full of nutrients to make your teeth and other oral tissues strong. Include loads of vitamin B food in your diet to make your teeth strong and healthy.

Eat cleaning foods
Eat crisp foods like apples, raw carrots, celery and popcorn. These firm foods help to clean teeth as they are eaten and munched. They are natural toothbrushes. For best results, chew these foods, as your final food that you eat in your meal.

Use good fluoride toothpaste

Choose good fluoride toothpaste. Good fluoride toothpaste will help to toughen your enamel by making your enamel tougher for bacterial acids to break down. It will also help to prevent plaque buildup and keep your teeth white and healthy. 

Stop in between snacks
Avoid snacking between meals to maintain pearly white teeth. If you choose to snack, try to eat healthy foods without sugar.