Health
12 Things to Learn from a Dental Hygienist
by John Gary
Just like a person’s eyes are window to his soul, his teeth are a reflection of his personality and lifestyle. It is seldom difficult to visit our dentists on regular basis to make sure our teeth are in perfect condition; therefore it is essential that we learn some important tips in order to enjoy optimum oral heath as well as leave a lasting impression on the people we interact with.
There are allowable duties of registered dental hygienists. Based on some suggestions, here is a list of valuable tips which should form an important part of your oral hygiene:
1. Go on White-Teeth Diet
All foods and drinks which are dark in color including cola, dark juices, black coffee, etc. will stain your teeth. Make a habit of brushing your teeth after consuming these beverages. It is preferable to request your dentist to prescribe you a good bleaching agent which will cut the black stains on your teeth to maintain their natural white shine.
2. Grip Your Tooth Brush Like A Pencil
Don’t use your toothbrush like a lawn mower. Don’t scrub too hard. Instead, hold the toothbrush like a pencil, gently moving it in circular motion rather than forward and backward. If you think brushing with more force will help you get rid of plaque, you are wrong!
3. Drink a Cup of Tea Everyday
Tea is rich in fluoride and also contains substantial amounts of flavonoids which don’t let the infection causing bacteria to stick to your teeth thus preventing plaque and cavities. Make a habit of drinking tea at least once a day for the sake of healthy teeth.
4. Change Your Brush
Replace your toothbrush after every 4 weeks. Don’t wait until it has turned into a car cleaning brush. Bacteria tend to accumulate in old toothbrushes.
5. Use Alcohol-Free Mouthwash to Rinse Away Bacteria
Always choose a mouthwash with minimal alcohol content. Alcohol makes your mouth and gums dry making them more susceptible for bacterial infections. Few researches also link association of increased chances of developing oral cancer with continuous use of mouthwashes containing alcohol.
6. Clean Your Tongue
Plaque on your tongue is a major reason for bad breath. Use a tongue scrapper to clean your tongue every morning. It is preferable to use a tongue scrapper rather than scrapping your tongue with a toothbrush.
7. Cut Back on Sugar
Avoid excessive intake of foods and drinks containing sugar especially before sleeping. Sugar is the main culprit behind all major dental problems.
8. Eat Tooth-Cleaning Foods
Try to include in your diet fruits, vegetables, and snacks which are hard and crisp. Such foods act as detergents thus acting as natural cleaners. Some good choices are: apples, carrots, unflavored popcorn, etc.
9. Hydrate
Water helps you keep bacteria from accumulating in your mouth. Water intake helps you defend tooth infections by flushing bacteria. Water is not only good for your skin, digestion but also helps in preserving white color of your teeth.
10. Floss Your Teeth Regularly
Make a habit of flossing your teeth before you go to bed every night.
11. Check Your Breath
If you have bad breath, always keep sugar-free mints handy. Best way to check your breath is by licking the palm of your hand and then smelling it.
12. Hum While You Brush
It is recommended to brush your teeth for a minimum of 2 minutes. This is the time required to flush off all the bacteria causing plaque. Try humming your favorite tune the next time you brush.
No time for dentists’ appointment? You can now be your personal dental hygienist by following the above tips, brushing twice a day and avoiding too much sugar.
