Back to the Basics

Hi Readers, for the past some time, I have been getting patients at my clinic with dental problems that can be easily avoided by following some basic oral hygiene rules.

Hence, in this blog, I wish to focus on basic tips that if followed, will enable everyone to protect their oral health and maintain a radiant smile.

Brushing:- Oral health begins with clean teeth, take care of the following:-

• Brush twice a day, in the morning and at night before going to bed
• Use a soft bristle tooth brush
• Do not brush for more than two minutes
• Brush gently without applying too much pressure as this will lead to gum problems
• Use a toothpaste containing fluoride.
• Brush with vertical or circular strokes, never brush horizontally. Remember to brush the inside and chewing surfaces of your teeth

Maintain your Brush

• Do not share your toothbrush with anyone.
• Do not let your toothbrush come in contact with any other toothbrush to avoid bacteria to pass from one toothbrush to another.
• After brushing, rinse your toothbrush thoroughly with water to ensure removal of toothpaste and debris.
• Allow it to air-dry, store in an upright position.
• Store your toothbrush away from the toilet area to protect from airborne bacteria.
• Change brush as soon as the bristles flare up. The thumb rule is that if your brush lasts for three months without flaring up, it means your brushing technique is correct.

Flossing

• Flossing is very important to take out the food stuck between your teeth where toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing becomes all the more important because if food debris are not completely removed by brushing, it may still lead to tooth decay and other dental problems.
• If the space between the teeth is more, you may clean it with inter-dental brushes.
• Never use a tooth-pick as it usually ends up harming your gums. Better carry a floss.

Tongue Cleaning

• Tongue cleaning after brushing is a very important factor in avoiding bad breath and any bacterial growth in your mouth. You may clean your tongue with a tongue cleaner or toothbrush.

When to see the dentistFor an early detection of any potential dental problem and to maintain lifelong oral health, it is advisable to visit your dentist every six months. However, if you notice the following symptoms, schedule an early visit:-

• Painful or swollen gums
• Bleeding observed during brushing or flossing
• Feeling of mobile teeth
• Sensitivity to hot and cold
• Bad breath or an unusual taste in your mouth
• Tooth Pain
• Black spot or hole in a tooth