Oral hygiene is key to good general health and wellbeing, so here at Smiletronix, we have devised 8 ways for you to keep your oral hygiene routine simple, yet effective.
Smiletronix top 8 tips for simplifying your oral hygiene routine
Tip 1: Bide your time
Before you even consider brushing your teeth, you should ensure that it has been at least half an hour since eating as the abrasive action of brushing can cause damage to the enamel that has been temporarily weakened from acidic foods.
Tip 2: Electric vs Manual
Electric toothbrushes provide more thorough oral hygiene when compared to a manual toothbrush, and are also more convenient for young or elderly people who may struggle with brushing. However, if you do choose to stick with manual, this should be done with a soft-bristled brush to avoid unnecessary abrasion, and the brush should be used at a 45-degree angle to ensure effective gum line cleaning.
Tip 3: Brush but don’t rush!
When you brush, don’t rush – allow two to three minutes of brushing time followed by appropriate flossing. We recommend starting on the hardest parts of the mouth, such as the back and sides, as starting at the front whilst in a rush may lead to missing these hard to reach areas, causing bad breath and potential cavities.
Tip 4: Out with the old, in with the new
Your toothbrush should be switched out for a replacement every three months to prevent a buildup of bacteria, as well as to stop your oral hygiene routine from becoming ineffective. Bristles change shape and stiffness over extended use, and flatter bristles mean less cleaning ability.
Tip 5: To floss or not to floss
Once finished with brushing, always move to floss – it is just as important. Adding a small dab of toothpaste to your floss helps with further removing plaque from between the teeth, as well as preventing early-stage gum disease gingivitis.
Flossing enables you to remove more plaque in comparison to brushing alone, in turn meaning fewer dental appointments and a simpler oral hygiene routine. Ready to use flossers can be easier to use – especially for young or elderly people, however it is important not to use the same piece twice to avoid redistributing bacteria and plaque.
Tip 6: On the tip of your tongue
And don’t forget your tongue! Brushing or scraping the tongue helps to maintain good oral hygiene by minimizing harmful bacteria harboured in the mouth and therefore reducing potential risks of tooth decay or gum disease.
Tip 7: Mince the rinse
It is important to avoid rinsing with water after brushing, as this washes away any concentrated fluoride from the toothpaste that remains in your mouth. By diluting this residue, preventative effects are reduced, and a simple routine turns into something more counterproductive than helpful.
Tip 8: Final touches with mouthwash
Finally – mouthwash. Rinsing with mouthwash helps to rid the mouth of any plaque that may remain after brushing and flossing, as well as freshening your breath. However, rinsing with products containing alcohol or chlorhexidine may be doing more harm than good, as these ingredients may actually contribute towards staining if used for more than a couple of weeks. Although this can be removed with a scale and polish, it is best to stick to alcohol and chlorhexidine free mouthwashes to simplify your oral hygiene routine.
For further dental advice to use alongside our 8 top tips, visit https://smiletronix.com/product to discover our app, where we use patented technology to provide free early detection, 24/7, from the comfort of your own home. With health, hygiene and whiteness trackers, your oral hygiene routine has never been simpler.
