10 Best ways of Ensuring Good Oral Hygiene

There is an old saying ‘better safe than sorry’. And that holds true even for your teeth and gums. If you constantly suffer from bad breath or bleeding gums, it’s a shows that you have poor oral hygiene. However, there are a few simple steps which, if followed religiously, will get your oral health back on track in no time. Your teeth are a very precious asset, so take care of them to avoid cavities or tooth and gum decay

1. Brush two times a day: The first step towards maintaining good oral hygiene is to brush your teeth two times a day for about two minutes at least. You also have to make sure that the toothbrush which you use is able to reach the back of your mouth and is able to clean the rear teeth efficiently. Don’t forget to even brush your tongue as most of the bacteria tends to settle there.

2. Floss after every meal: Flossing after every meal is also important, if you want to ensure total oral care for your mouth. Even if a small food particle gets lodged in between your teeth, it could lead to tooth decay if not removed after long time. So whenever you feel that there is something stuck between your teeth, floss it out immediately. And for complete tooth care floss as soon as you finish your meals.

3. Gargle with mouthwash: The main purpose of a mouthwash is to freshen your breath. No one would like to stand near a person with bad breath. So avoid such embarrassing situations by gargling with a good mouthwash. This can be done after you finish brushing. There are many mouthwashes available which also help in destroying any remaining bacteria in the mouth, which could cause bad breath.

4. Kick the butt: If you are serious about maintaining your oral hygiene, you need to get rid of your smoking habit. The ingredients used in the manufacturing of cigarettes like tobacco, have a damaging effect on the tissues in gums. Along with bad breath, regular smoking causes yellowing of teeth and also damages the bones which connect to your gums.

5. Eat teeth strengthening foods: There are many foods like apples, cheese, carrots, etc. which help in enamel formation on your teeth and also increase saliva flow. These food items are easily available from your local grocery store and if added to your regular diet, will help in strengthening of your teeth and gums.

6. Reduce Sugary food consumption: When you were a kid, there must have been many times when your parents might have tried to discourage you from eating too much sugary foods by stating that it would spoil your teeth. And they were right! Eating too much sugary foods like chocolates and hard candies release harmful acids that can damage teeth and gums.

7. Drink fluoridated water: Drinking fluoridated water is another great way of maintaining overall oral hygiene. Fluoridated water is good drinking water with just fluoride added to it, which helps to prevent tooth decay. Most dental hygiene services agencies recommend drinking fluoridated water to combat tooth decay.

8. Chew Sugar-Free gum: Sugar-free gum not only acts as an alternative for your chocolate and candy cravings, but there are also some specially manufactured chewing gums which are actually meant for freshening breath and maintaining tooth health.

9. Use ADA-approved products: The American Dental Association is the most reputed name in the field of total oral care. With their guidance, you will purchase only those products, like toothbrushes and toothpastes, which will help you to maintain complete oral hygiene.

10. Visit your dentist: Finally, it is wise to pay a visit to your local dentist at least once a month for a complete oral checkup. He is the best person to advise and instruct you in the different ways in which you should care for your teeth and gums.

Thinking about Invisalign?

When you need braces, Invisalign is an option for many of our patients. Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten your teeth without metal or wires.

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign uses 3-D computer imaging technology to depict the complete treatment plan from the initial position to the final desired position from which a series of custom-made, clear “aligners” are produced. Each “aligner” moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then is replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.

What are aligners made of?
 Aligners are made of clear, strong medical grade plastic that is virtually invisible when worn.

What do aligners look like?
Aligners are clear and look similar to tooth-whitening trays, but are custom-made for a better fit to move teeth. Some orthodontists and dentists have referred to them as “contact lenses for teeth.”

Is this a new way to straighten teeth?
For years, orthodontists and dentists have used removable appliances for limited treatment. Today, with the application of computer technology and custom manufacturing, Invisalign treats a broader range of cases with greater precision.

How old is this technology? 
In 1945, Dr. H.D. Kesling envisioned that one day modern technology would enable the use of a series of tooth positioners to produce the kinds of movements required for comprehensive orthodontic treatment. Technology has made this vision a reality. Using advanced computer technology, Align crafted Invisalign®, a series of customized clear appliances called “aligners.” Each aligner is worn sequentially by the patient to produce extensive tooth movements in both upper and lower arches.