World Oral Health Day

World Oral Health Day

Tips for Practicing Good Oral Hygiene all Year Round

At Smil, we understand that keeping up with good dental hygiene all year round can sometimes feel like a challenge. In celebration of World Oral Hygiene Day, the 20th of March, we’ve put together this handy guide to make caring for your smile simple. Whether you’re looking to brush up on the basics or discover a few new tips, we’re here to help you prevent common oral health illnesses. Keep on reading to learn more.

Brushing

We have been taught that we should brush twice a day, but did you know that simply brushing is not enough? You must ensure that you brush your teeth for 2 minutes, twice a day. Your toothbrush should have soft bristles to protect your enamel and gums, and remember to replace it every 3-4 months. An electric toothbrush is a great way to reduce plaque buildup at home. Next time you buy toothpaste, check that it contains fluoride, which has many benefits that you should ask one of our dentists about!

Brush your Tongue

Brushing your tongue not only reduces harmful odours but it also reduces risk of oral diseases and oral thrush. It’s also a great way to enhance your tastebuds so you can really enjoy your favourite meals! We also recommend you purchase a tongue scraper as it effectively removes all the harmful bacteria to keep your mouth feeling fresh all day long.

Flossing

Flossing is a great way to get into those hard to reach areas to remove any food particles and bacteria that your toothbrush can’t quite reach. It’s the best way to reduce plaque buildup which in turn, decreases the risk of diseases. Water flossers are a great option if you have braces, gum disease or even just want to take extra care of your oral health. Tip: to become the ultimate pro of oral hygiene, fill your water flosser with mouthwash and those nasty bacterias won’t stand a chance!

Mouthwash

Mouthwash is a great way to get rid of bad breath and keep your mouth feeling fresh. It reduces the risk of gum disease by removing plaque, kills bad microorganisms and whitens your teeth. We recommend using it after you brush, increasing your overall confidence and brightening your smile.

Regular Checkups

The best way to maintain good oral health is by scheduling regular checkups. This way, you will constantly be receiving advice tailored to your benefit by your dentist. It also means that any possibility of oral diseases can be caught early on and treated immediately. It’s also a great idea to get a screening for oral cancer once a year to maintain your overall health.

Mindful Eating

Though it can impact your overall health, we seem to forget how an unhealthy diet also impacts our oral health. Sugary or acidic food, as well as carbonated or alcoholic drinks all have an impact on the general health of our teeth, so try to cut back where you can. If you do indulge (don’t worry, we all do), just remember to brush your teeth 30 minutes after eating, or rinse your mouth with mouthwash. If you want to learn more about the effects of alcohol on your teeth, take a look here. Staying hydrated means that you’re flushing away all the nasty bacteria and food particles hiding between your teeth, as well as keeping your breath fresh. Did you know there were actual benefits to chewing gum? It increases saliva production, which reduces risks of cavities and strengthens your teeth, just be sure it’s sugar free gum!

Smoking

If you smoke, it may be a good idea to consider quitting for the benefit of your oral health. Smoking can cause your teeth to discolour and yellow due to the tobacco penetrating your enamel. It can also cause gum disease, and if untreated can result in loss of teeth. Tobacco also affects your immune system, meaning if you were to have some sort of dental emergency, it may take longer to recover. Not to mention that it increases the risk of developing oral cancer significantly. Why not read more about the effects of smoking on your oral health?

Avoid using your teeth as tools

Sometimes we are in a hurry or have limited access to scissors or knives, but please, do not use your teeth as a substitute. Despite teeth being strong, they were not designed to take on such strenuous tasks. This can cause them to chip or crack, resulting in a lot of discomfort and costly repairs.

Become a pro at maintaining your oral hygiene

Our team would love to help you on your journey to obtaining a healthy smile. We hope that you will appreciate and celebrate World Oral Health Day to spread the awareness and importance of oral health across the globe. Get in touch with us today by calling 01634 756 536.