Tips for good oral care

Many times we hear the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene , but very few times we pay attention to everything related to the care of this important part of our body. To understand it better, we have to understand that it is not simply cosmetic care, but that oral care is an essential part of our health.

The mouth is the beginning of our digestive system and, if there is any disease, it will undoubtedly affect the rest of the functioning of our body and, especially, our digestion; but it is also beneficial for other aspects, such as our self-esteem . To have optimal dental health, it will be necessary to take good care of both our tongue and our teeth and gums, so that we can have fresh breath, preserve all teeth and get rid of the discomfort caused by an infection in the mouth.

How to maintain our oral health

The well-being that gives good teeth and gum health does not come alone, but we must get used to introducing certain healthy habits in our day to day , to have the healthiest possible mouth. Next, we will see what these habits are and what we have to do to avoid discomfort in this very important area of ​​our body and that has such an influence on our body.

The importance of brushing

Surely, you have heard about how essential it is to brush your teeth daily. It goes without saying that without brushing there is no oral hygiene and we need to brush our teeth at least twice a day. The most important time is at night, since going to bed with clean teeth is essential.

When it comes to brushing our teeth, a quick pass is not worth it. It is necessary that we clean tooth by tooth and on both sides, that is, we must also brush the back of each tooth. The ideal is to pass the brush over the gum, where the tooth is born, to be able to get rid of the tartar that we store.

It is also preferable that we use an electric toothbrush , instead of a manual one, since we will better reach all the parts. As for brushing time , it is recommended 2 minutes. To clarify ourselves better, we can count 30 seconds for each part, right and left, and front and back.

Use dental floss

There are certain erroneous beliefs about dental floss and the most damaging of all of them is to think that it only serves to eliminate the remains of food that are left on the teeth. Actually, good oral hygiene should include this instrument. And there are several reasons why dental floss can be of great help .

Dental floss is used to clean both the gums and the interdental spaces . We have to bear in mind that, when we brush our teeth, we eliminate bacteria that are formed every day; But these bacteria can also be located between the teeth, for which it will be necessary to floss at least once a week .

To make good use of dental floss, you must move it in a zigzag direction, in the direction of the gum, so that it cleans all the debris that may have accumulated in these spaces; although, sometimes, they cannot see each other.

Mouthwash: the perfect finish

Another of the basic components of good oral hygiene is the mouthwash. It is an aqueous solution with which we rinse when we finish brushing, but what is mouthwash for?

The first thing you should know is that there are different types of mouthwashes and you should choose the most suitable for you. There is anti-stain, with special protection for the gums … And they will be especially advantageous for people who wear dental braces, implants or dentures.

By using the rinse after brushing , you will get that the bacteria that reside in your mouth and you have not previously been able to eliminate with the toothbrush are eliminated with this solution. It is important that you do not dilute it in water and keep it in your mouth for approximately 30 seconds. Also remember that you should be without eating or drinking for 30 minutes after use, for greater effectiveness.

Take care of your diet

Surely, in any aspect of our health, they will recommend you to eat a healthy and balanced diet . In the mouth, with special importance, we must also follow this maxim. There are foods that can be very harmful to our teeth and cause cavities, such as those rich in sugar. Instead, there are other types of food that will be enormously beneficial for our oral care.

If you want to know what foods are the ones that will help you with your health, in this sense, we recommend milk and its derivatives, which will not stain your teeth and, in addition, will provide them with calcium. Foods such as white rice or white fish , which are colorless and protect the teeth, are also recommended. In addition, consuming fruits and vegetables will also help you prevent oral cavity cancer.

Another issue to take into account is about the consumption of alcohol, tobacco or coffee. These are substances that affect the health of our teeth, because they stain them and can also deteriorate them, with the consequences that this produces, such as cavities, gingivitis or other diseases.

Don’t forget your dentist

We know that it is not pleasant to go to the dentist. However, a visit on time can prevent many visits that will be much worse, if we let it go. It is important that you go to the dentist at least once a year, so that you can thoroughly clean those areas that you cannot reach with your daily care.

In addition, going to a professional will help you avoid creating malformations or certain infections that can worsen. Keep in mind that dentists have a bad reputation, since, when we go to their consultations, we are always usually in the worst circumstances. Visiting them regularly will change your image of this professional.

Myths about oral hygiene

Word of mouth has always been one of the most powerful informative elements. And, if we don’t know something and someone tells us, we not only end up believing it, but we also transmit it and end up creating urban myths and legends. Of course, oral care also has its own and it is recommended that we know what is true and what is not, to keep teeth and gums in the best possible condition.

The gums bleed normally

Although it is something that happens frequently, that a bleeding gum is not something that should go unnoticed; And, if someone has told you that it is normal, it is not true. A gum in perfect and healthy condition does not have to bleed . Therefore, it is convenient that, if our gums bleed, we ask ourselves what is wrong with our hygiene and do something to remedy it, which, in some cases, means that the dentist treats us.

Another hoax that runs, around bleeding gums , is that it is better not to brush so that they do not bleed; But the truth is that the opposite happens, because hygiene is essential and, if we do not brush our teeth, surely, we will not solve the problem of bleeding.

If the mouthwash itches, it cures more and the hard brush cleans better

It is not true that mouthwash has to sting. In fact, if it stings when using it, it may be because it has a high alcohol content, which can lead to dryness in the oral tissues. On the other hand, a hard bristle brushing can lead to erosion of the enamel or even damage the gums , so it is not entirely recommended either.

Bad breath comes from the stomach

Although, in certain cases, it may be true; in most cases, it is not. If there is a bad smell in our mouth, surely, it comes from the bacteria that are in the same oral cavity; Or, it can even be the result of a poor diet and unhealthy diet. Among the main causes of halitosis are gingivitis, periodontitis and substrates on the tongue.

Chopsticks are better than dental floss

Although they are much more comfortable, the truth is that the toothpicks that our parents and grandparents used or some continue to use are not a substitute, far from it, for our beloved dental floss. These toothpicks or toothpicks are not designed to clean the hob, so they will not serve to maintain good hygiene. In addition, we run the risk of injuring ourselves, since we can injure ourselves through the use of these gadgets.

In conclusion: it is normal that, as we get older, we lose teeth

While it is true that older people are more likely to lose some teeth, the truth is that good dental hygiene could save us from this ordeal. Maintaining good habits and visiting the dentist will be fundamental factors for us to reach old age enjoying intact teeth.