April Is Oral Health Month: 5 Components Of An Excellent Oral Hygiene Routine

The Components Of A Complete Oral Hygiene Routine

Brushing
As most of us know, brushing your teeth is the foundational element of a good oral hygiene routine. But that doesn’t mean that brushing your teeth for a quick 30 seconds will do the trick. To get the most out of brushing your teeth, you must brush for two minutes twice per day. A good strategy to ensure thoroughness is to spend 30 seconds on each quadrant of teeth: upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left. 

Flossing
Let’s be honest, many of us tend to skip flossing after brushing our teeth. And then when you visit the dentist for your dental exam and cleaning, you have to awkwardly tell them that you do not floss regularly. We all know that it is important to floss, but why don’t we take the time to do it? It is assumed that brushing your teeth cleans all of the surfaces and crevices of your teeth. However, brushing does not get in between your teeth the same way flossing can. The spaces between your teeth can collect food particles and bacteria overtime. Brushing your teeth cannot reach the spaces between your teeth. Only when you floss can you correctly clean your teeth, riding all food particles that can buildup between your teeth. Make sure you floss every time you brush your teeth to ensure you have cleaned your teeth of debris and food particles.

Visiting The Dentist
You should visit the dentist once every six months for an exam and professional cleaning. Your dentist will be able to detect any signs of oral health concerns such as cancer or cavities before they become symptomatic and treatment becomes much more difficult. Your dental hygienist also has the special tools and expertise to remove plaque buildup that brushing cannot.

Eat A Healthy Diet
Eating a nutritious diet is not only good for your overall health, but it is especially good for the health of your teeth. A diet that is high in calcium will help keep your teeth healthy and strong into old age. Keep starches and sugars to a minimum, as oral bacteria thrive in these. Some foods that are beneficial to your oral health include leafy greens, apples, yogurt, and cheese. Talk to your dentist about other foods you should be including in your diet to promote good oral health.

Eliminate Bad Habits
There are several bad habits that some of us are guilty of that can poorly affect our oral health. When you are stressed, you might find yourself chewing your nails or other hard objects like a pen cap. Chewing hard objects can wear away the enamel on your teeth making them more susceptible to cavities that can quickly lead to tooth decay. Smoking is another habit that will increase your risk of gum disease and other more serious health problems such as oral cancer. Try your best to minimize these bad habits to protect your oral health and overall health as well.

Visit Dr. Korol To Get Your Oral Health Back On Track

One key factor to having a good oral hygiene routine is understanding what your oral needs are. During your next dental exam, ask your dentist if there is anything you should pay extra attention to during your oral hygiene routine. Being proactive about your oral health is the best way you can ensure you will not run into any future oral health concerns while keeping a bright, confident smile. 

If you are in need of a dental cleaning and dental exam, book an appointment with Dr. Korol today by calling 1-403-245-9099, or by filling out our online contact form. Our dental office is a leading holistic and biocompatible dental practice in Calgary that offers dental services such as cleanings, teeth whitening, Invisalign® treatments, and more. Book your appointment to get advice from Calgary’s leading holistic dentist Dr. Korol.

FAQ

Q: How often should I visit the dentist for a dental cleaning?
A: The Canadian Association of Dentistry recommends patients visit their dentist once every six months.

Q: Do I have to floss after every time I brush my teeth?
A: Yes, you should. Every time you brush your teeth, you should floss as well.

Q: Is it normal to have pain when I floss?
A: If you have not flossed in a while, you may notice that your gums are sensitive and they may even bleed a little bit. However, if the pain is too much and the bleeding does not improve, book an appointment with your dentist right away as there may be an underlying oral health problem you may not know about.