Back to blog

8 Dental Hygiene Tips to Keep Your Smile Brighter and Healthier

Health Tips

Posted on

Everyone is aware that brushing and flossing are necessary for good oral hygiene. Having a bright and healthy smile, on the other hand, is influenced by a wide range of other factors. There are numerous things you can do to maintain optimal dental health, including the type of toothbrush you use and the foods you eat. We will provide you with eight dental hygiene hints in this blog post to keep your smile brighter and healthier. With these tips, you can prevent dental issues like cavities, gum infection, and awful breath. Thus, whether you’re hoping to work on your general oral wellbeing or simply need to keep a delightful grin, read on to figure out how to keep your teeth and gums in top shape.

Brush your teeth twice a day

Brushing your teeth twice a day is the first step in good dental hygiene. Cleaning your teeth assists with eliminating plaque, which is a tacky film of microorganisms that structures on your teeth. If you don’t remove plaque on a regular basis, it can lead to gum disease and tooth decay.

Make sure to brush your teeth with a toothbrush with a soft bristle and fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride can help you avoid cavities and strengthen your tooth enamel.

While brushing, use a roundabout movement to arrive at each surface of your teeth. Brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth as well as the front, back, and chewing surfaces of your teeth. This will assist with eliminating any food particles or microorganisms that might be concealing in your mouth.

It’s important to replace your toothbrush every three to four months. By following these straightforward tips, you can guarantee that your teeth are perfect and sound, and your smile stays more splendid for longer.

Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles

Flossing is an essential component of good dental hygiene that many people neglect. Brushing alone can’t eliminate all the food particles and plaque that stall out between your teeth. Flossing is a great solution for this. Flossing assists in the removal of food particles and plaque that cannot be reached by brushing alone, thereby preventing the accumulation of bacteria that can cause gum disease and tooth decay.

Flossing should be done at least once a day, ideally before going to bed. To floss accurately, take a piece of floss around 18 inches long and fold it over your fingers, leaving around 2 inches of floss to work with. Tenderly slide the floss between your teeth and bend it around the foundation of every tooth, trying to go underneath the gum line. Be careful not to force the floss between your teeth or snap it, as this can irritate your gums and cause bleeding.

Use mouthwash to freshen breath and kill bacteria

Mouthwash is an excellent addition to your dental hygiene routine because it not only makes your breath taste better but also kills bacteria. Despite the fact that mouthwash has numerous advantages for your overall oral health, many people mistakenly believe that it is only a short-term remedy for bad breath.

Ingredients in mouthwash help kill the bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, it aids in neutralizing oral acids that can erode tooth enamel and lead to cavities. Utilizing mouthwash after brushing and flossing can assist with guaranteeing that your mouth is essentially as spotless as could be expected.

When using mouthwash, it is essential to carefully follow the directions and read the label. A few mouthwashes are intended to be utilized before brushing, while others are intended to be utilized after brush. Additionally, you may need to use mouthwashes more frequently or less frequently depending on your requirements because some mouthwashes are more potent than others.

Choose the right toothbrush and toothpaste

For good dental hygiene, choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste is essential. To avoid causing gum recession and damaging the enamel on your teeth, the toothbrush you choose should have soft bristles. A toothbrush with a little head can likewise assist you with arriving at those hard-to-arrive at places in your mouth.

Additionally, electric toothbrushes are a great option because they can provide a deeper clean and make brushing for people with dexterity issues easier.

With regards to toothpaste, make certain to pick one that contains fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral that prevents tooth decay and strengthens tooth enamel. Also important is to look for toothpaste that is made just for you, like toothpaste for whitening or sensitive teeth.

It is essential to replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles become frayed.

Limit your consumption of sugary and acidic foods and drinks

We are all aware that sugary and acidic foods and beverages are harmful to our teeth. These foods and drinks can cause significant damage to our teeth, which can result in cavities and tooth decay. Limiting your intake of these foods and drinks is essential to maintaining a clean smile and teeth.

Our teeth’s enamel can be dissolved over the long haul by sweet food varieties like treats and pop, as well as acidic beverages like sports drinks and fruit juices. This can lead to tooth sensitivity, cavities, and even tooth loss in severe cases.

Pursuing better decisions is one method for scaling back sweet and acidic food sources and beverages. Pick better tidbits like leafy foods as opposed to going after a container of pop or a pack of treats. Try to clean your teeth after you eat sweet or acidic food sources and beverages to eliminate any excess sugar or corrosiveness.

Drinking a lot of water is another way to limit your consumption of these harmful substances. Drinking water can not only help you stay hydrated, which is important for your overall dental health, but it can also help remove any remaining acid or sugar from your mouth.

Visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings

For good oral health, regular dental cleanings and checks are necessary. There are still areas of your mouth that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush or floss, even if you brush and floss your teeth on a regular basis and eat a healthy diet. Plaque and tartar can build up in these places, which can eventually result in gum disease and tooth decay.

Your dentist can catch any early signs of dental problems and take the necessary steps to stop them from getting worse during a dental checkup. 

The removal of any plaque and tartar that may have accumulated on your teeth is another reason why dental cleanings are so important. This buildup may result in gum disease and tooth decay if left untreated. Your teeth will be polished and the buildup removed with special instruments by a dental hygienist.

Be mindful of your overall health and how it affects your dental health

Thus, it’s basic to focus on your general wellbeing and what it means for the soundness of your teeth.

Consultation with your healthcare provider is essential for managing any underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, effectively.

Additional tips for a brighter and healthier smile

There are a few more things you can do to keep your smile brighter and healthier, in addition to the previous advice. Drinking water over the course of the day, most importantly, can assist with washing away food particles and prevent the development of plaque. In addition, chewing on fruits and vegetables like apples, celery, and carrots can help clean your teeth.

Consider using an electric toothbrush as another option. Many models have built-in timers to make sure you brush for the recommended two minutes. These brushes are made to remove more plaque and bacteria than traditional toothbrushes.

Don’t forget to change your toothbrush or brush head on a regular basis as well. Old, broken down fibers can be less viable in eliminating plaque and microorganisms, and could in fact harm your gums.

If you want to brighten your smile, you might want to try using teeth whitening products. At-home options like whitening toothpaste, strips, and trays are available, as are professional procedures that can be performed at the dentist’s office.

We hope that you found our 8 dental hygiene tips helpful in keeping your smile brighter and healthier! A healthy smile is not only essential for your oral health, but it also contributes to your overall well-being. Remember, it’s never too late to start taking care of your teeth and gums. Incorporating these tips into your daily routine will help you maintain good dental hygiene and a beautiful smile. Keep smiling and see you soon with more helpful tips!

Book an Appointment Today

Book an appointment with our dental hygienists now to find out more about how to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible. Find out more about our dental hygiene services.

To keep up to date with all of our blogs and videos, follow us on FacebookInstagram and YouTube.

Contact us today to find out more about booking an appointment in Esher, Surrey or Wandsworth, South West London.