When we think about keeping ourselves healthy, often our dental health is put behind the rest of our body. We only have one natural set of adult teeth, so looking after them properly is essential! Having a proficient dental routine will help you to protect your teeth for as long as possible. So, let’s have a look at the do’s and don’ts of dental hygiene!

Brush Your Teeth Twice Daily

Everyone knows that you’re advised to brush your teeth twice a day. Most people follow this advice, however forgetting to brush your teeth in the evening is a common issue. Your mouth collates plaque and germs throughout the day that need to be removed in order to maximise your dental health, as some of the worst damage occurs overnight. For some people who suffer from issues such as cavities, dentists advise that they brush their teeth after dinner, as well as before bed, in order to protect the teeth from foods that can cause decay. Fluoride toothpaste is the best option, as it can provide strong protection for your enamel. 

Don’t Forget Your Tongue!

Your tongue accumulates bacteria and germs that can lead to bad breath or potentially even gum disease. Brushing your tongue can also help to keep your tastebuds healthy, boost levels of immunity and potentially remove toxins that could otherwise reduce immune function. The benefits of brushing your tongue makes it worth sacrificing an extra few seconds in your dental hygiene routine. 

Floss and Mouthwash

Flossing and using mouthwash are both useful in helping to maintain good oral hygiene. They are useful for different things, so should both be implemented into your routine, rather than one or the other. Flossing is important as it removes any trapped food and prevents plaque buildup between the teeth. Meanwhile, mouthwash has the ability to kill bacteria and support enamel in the mouth. Clearly both are useful, however their functions are completely different. If you had to pick out of the two, prioritise flossing, however mouthwash is also recommended. 

Avoid Fizzy Drinks

Where possible, fizzy drinks should be avoided. The acidic pH level of fizzy drinks can cause serious issues with erosion, as the enamel on your teeth can be destroyed, causing cavities. If you are drinking fizzy drinks, use a straw to minimise damage. Despite what you may think, you shouldn’t brush your teeth straight after having a fizzy drink as the teeth are vulnerable. You should wait 30-60 minutes before brushing. Water is the best possible option when it comes to beverages as it can help to remove any food that remains in your mouth after a meal that could cause damage. 

Summary

If you ever notice any changes in your dental hygiene that concern you, contact a dentist Altrincham-based for the best treatment possible. You should be seeing your dentist at least twice a year, as they can identify any potential issues and mitigate the potential of further damage.