Good Oral Health is about so much more than a pearly white smile. Not only does it help eradicate cavities and reduce plaque, it can benefit the overall health too. Keep reading for five top tips about everything you need to know about good oral health.

1. Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride based toothpaste

Brush for at least two minutes each time to keep your mouth and gums healthy. Whether you choose to use a manual or electric toothbrush, it is always important to practice good technique. Hold your toothbrush at a slight angle and gently brush using back-and-forth motions. Remember not to neglect the inside surfaces of your teeth and avoid any harsh brushing, which can lead to enamel loss and gum irritation.

2. Floss Regularly

Floss isn’t just there to dislodge food stuck between your teeth; it also helps reduce gum disease by removing plaque that collects along the gums. Floss with up to 8-10 gentle strokes in between each tooth for maximum benefits. Flossing regularly will ensure that bacteria will not build up between your teeth and will therefore not have the chance to attack the gums.

3. Equipment

Keep an eye on the quality of your equipment as with time and regular use, toothbrushes and replacement heads can become ineffective. Replacing your old toothbrush every three to four months – or sooner, if bristles become soft and frayed, ensures that the effectiveness of your routine is not being compromised by poor equipment. Replacing your brush regularly also limits the number of bacteria that naturally collect on the bristles over time.

4. Regular Appointments

Seeing the dentist and hygienist every six months for a thorough cleaning and check-up is essential to remove any tartar build-up and catch any impending problems early on. As with all health matters, treating any dental issues early will result in a more positive outcome, and lead to less stress and expense in the future.

5. Brush Your Tongue

Despite its obvious close proximity to the teeth, your tongue can be one of the most neglected aspects of your oral care routine. Bacteria can accumulate at the back of the mouth and cause bad breath that can be difficult to eradicate. Using a tongue scraper helps remove tongue plague and ensures your breath stays fresh. Including this in your daily routine will stop harmful bacteria accumulating over time.

Adopting these five tips is a simple and effective way to improve and maintain a healthy mouth and overall health in general. Good oral health doesn’t just benefit your teeth and gums and help maintain a beautiful smile, it has positive implications for overall health too, maintaining a healthy heart, eradicating diabetes and improving lung function.

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