To keep your teeth healthy, you need a lifetime of care.  It is essential to maintain proper dental hygiene to avoid any dental issues and related problems. This includes using the right oral care products and being aware of your daily habits. Brushing twice a day and flossing on a daily basis checking, with your dentist for dental cleanings and exams are some of the good practices that can keep your teeth protected for long-duration. By following these techniques, you get the best opportunity to get a beautiful smile and long-lasting dental health.

Let us know in detail to know whether you are following the right oral hygiene or not?

Oral or dental hygiene involves practices that keep your mouth clean and free from disease. Undergoing dental examinations like Dental X-rays, cleaning, and other dental procedures are also some of the important aspects of your dental hygiene.

Including good oral hygiene in your daily routine can prevent all of your oral health issues like cavities, bad breath, gum disease, etc. One must remember that your dental health is also linked to your overall health. For instance, if an infection is there in your mouth, your bloodstream will carry the bacteria to other body parts, thereby leading to other health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and many others. Thus, it's essential to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Study shows that periodontitis and gingivitis can lead to some major health issues such as. 

• Stroke
• Pneumonia
• Cardiovascular disease
• Endocarditis
• Some pregnancy complications

Whereas, diseases that can have a negative effect on your gums and teeth, are

• Diabetes
• Alzheimer's disease
• Osteoporosis
• HIV/AIDs

Some of the significant signs of poor oral hygiene are

• Bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• Gum recession
• Loosen teeth
• Mouth sores
• Toothache
• Jaw swelling

 Here are a few things you should follow to maintain the right dental hygiene. Have a look at them to know whether you are following the proper dental hygiene practices or not 

Good oral hygiene helps not only protect your gums and teeth but also assists in keeping your smile beautiful. Few steps that you can follow to keep your dental health in good condition:

• Brush your teeth twice a day: Make use of fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush for brushing as fluoride remineralizes your teeth and prevents it from decaying. While brushing, keep your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. This assists in sweeping away plaque at your gum line. Make sure to brush all of your teeth' surfaces, including sides and backs.
• Do flossing once every day: Through brushing, you cannot reach the space between your teeth. For cleaning such areas, you require dental floss. To do this, take a piece of floss about 18 inches long. Wrap each of its ends around your middle fingers. Then by making use of your thumbs and forefingers, do flossing between your two teeth. Surround the floss warmly around the other tooth, and then repeat. Repeat this process for all of your teeth. When you have dexterity problems, you can make use of interproximal brushes and toothpicks for cleaning in between your teeth.
• Clean your tongue: Do not forget to brush your tongue as your tongue consists of a lot of bacteria. Make use of a toothbrush or a tongue scraper for this purpose.
• Use an anti-bacterial mouthwash on a daily basis. It helps in keeping all harmful bacteria away. Other than keeping away food and debris away, it also helps in decreasing plaque build-up. Make sure to select an alcohol-free formula for the prevention of dry mouth.
• Go for routine dental exams and cleanings to maintain good oral health. A lot of people do well with six-month visits. If you are prone to cavities, gum diseases, and other oral health conditions, you might require frequent appointments.
• Try to avoid smoking and other such tobacco products. It is because smoking is one of the primary causes of gum disease and oral cancer.

You should keep in mind that the best oral hygiene is something that you can practice constantly. Consult your dentist and prepare a customized oral health regimen to meet your requirements. 

Some of the significant benefits you get when you follow the right dental hygiene are

• Healthy gums and teeth
• Fresh breath
• Beautiful smile
• Decrease requirement for dental work
• Low risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other such health concerns
• Less risk of oral cancer

In addition, it is necessary to follow preventive dental care, which is more affordable than emergency and restorative dental care. Good oral hygiene helps in saving your time, money, and worry. 

To learn more about dental hygiene and its practices you can log into MyDentalplan.in- a platform that provides you an opportunity to choose a skilled dentist from among the largest network of dentists and dental clinics. While keeping in mind that the best oral hygiene is something that you can practice constantly, consult a dentist and prepare a customized oral health regimen to meet your requirements.

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About the Author:

Suprithi Choudhary, M.Pharm (Pharmacology) Medical Content writer

Suprithi is a Pharma Professional working as a medical content writer and previously worked as a Research Scientist and Senior Research Analyst

Education

• C.M Academy
• Attended the Panjab University- Chandigarh, Pharma post-graduate in Pharmacology

Special thanks to Dr Deepak Kulkarni, a dental surgeon with over 23 years of experience who proofread this blog. He graduated from the H.K.E's Dental College, Gulbarga, and has certifications in ACHS International Accreditation Education Plan; Advanced Rotary Endodontic - Restorative Continuum; and Leadership, Team Building and Customer Service Leadership from the Oscar Murphy International.