The state of your dental health reflects your overall health condition. While this may sound unbelievable, it’s entirely true. What’s going on with your oral health tells a lot about your health too. Doctors can take an amount of saliva from your mouth for examination, and that can tell them where you’re at with your physical condition. As a matter of fact, some diseases such as HIV or AIDS and diabetes can be detected through oral signs and symptoms. For example, mouth lesions can be an early symptom of HIV.
So if you want to maintain a holistic approach to excellent dental health, then being meticulous to a couple of dental hygiene tips, along with proper diet, will go a long way. Here are six of the most effective dental hygiene tips for a healthier and whiter smile.
- Brush Your Teeth At Least Twice A Day
If you can brush your teeth after eating a meal or a snack, then all the better. However, some circumstances don’t make this possible. Brushing your teeth in the morning and before bedtime is ideal. And while you’re at it, brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth, because bacteria can stick to those areas. Here are some tips on the proper way of brushing:
- Tilt your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle from the gum line
- Gently brush using an up-and-down movement
- Use small, gentle circular motions
- Lightly brush the gum line with soft bristles
- Start from the outer layer of your teeth and do the same to the inner layer
- Clean your tongue with your brush or a tongue cleaner
- Don’t Forget To Floss
People sometimes neglect to floss. When people eat, food particles are sometimes stuck in between teeth, and more often than not, these are irremovable through good old brushing alone. Flossing can reach hard-to-get areas in your teeth which prevent these particles from leading into cavities in the long run. Here are some flossing tips you need to know:
- Use a floss which is 15 to 18 inches long
- Wrap the floss around the teeth in a “C” shape
- Gently use up-and-down movements
- Don’t worry about a little blood
- Quit Smoking
Smoking is one of the leading causes of oral cancer and gum diseases. Your teeth have tiny orifices which are similar to pores in the skin. When you’re smoking, these orifices will absorb the nicotine in tar. While tar has no color, it usually turns yellow when mixed with oxygen. So if you’re an e-cig smoker, don’t think you’re off the hook. You’ll still possibly get teeth stains because of the nicotine-filled “juice” on your e-cigarette. These stains are also tough to remove because they’re accumulated through many years and penetrate the dentin.
- Replace Sodas And Alcohol With Water
Water is life, they say. And true enough, drinking lots of water daily will not only keep you hydrated but will also protect your teeth and dental health. A lot of the soft drinks, alcohol, and colored drinks are very acidic which can lead to breakage of the teeth’s enamel.
- Use Baking Soda
Baking soda can do a bang-up job of removing the stains on the teeth’s surface. That’s why it’s also one of the main ingredients in toothpaste. Mixing half and half of baking soda and water can be a good habit of whitening your teeth. However, if you’re looking to remove old stains caused by colored drinks or smoking, don’t rely on baking soda.
- Visit Your Dentist Regularly
For people with dentophobia, which means a fear of dentists, visiting the dentists are sometimes overlooked. But it’s essential that you, with or without dentophobia, visit your dentist every six months. While your teeth and gums may appear fine on the outside, there are some signs of dental problems which only your dentist can detect.
Looking for a 100% all-natural liquid tooth oil and mouth rinse? Check out OraMD Original Strength and OraMD Extra Strength. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral health and skincare. If you are looking for more health resources check out the Trusted Health Resources list.
Written By:
Kerry Brooks is a passionate blogger who expounds on health, beauty, food, travel and more. She enjoys sharing beauty and health care tips to stay healthier and happier. She is currently working for one of the leading dentists in west Columbia Dr. Sherry Powell.
Reviewed By:
Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.