As we all know, good oral hygiene is essential for maintaining overall health. And if you think you’re doing fine by brushing twice a day, you might want to reconsider. It is the bare minimum you can do to maintain your oral health. And to keep your oral health in the best shape possible, this is not enough!

Going the extra mile is what you need for top-notch oral hygiene. So, “brush up” your oral hygiene, with the following points:

Choose your brush wisely:

You might brush twice a day, but are you using the correct brush? Almost all of us think that hard-bristle brushes are the right choice for squeaky clean teeth. While these brushes do clean the teeth thoroughly, but they can also scrape away your tooth enamel and damage your teeth. Both hard-bristled toothbrushes and abrasive brushing can lead to bleeding gums. So, use a soft-bristle toothbrush for a journey towards improved oral health.

Wait before you brush:

We all grew up listening to our parents telling us to brush our teeth after dinner. And while they mean well, brushing immediately after any meal will do more harm than good. During the meal, acids created by food elevates the acid level in your mouth, making your teeth at their weakest level. Brushing your teeth right after meals, even with a soft-bristled brush, can be highly abrasive as the enamel is already weakened and can wear it away. So, consider waiting at least an hour after eating for your mouth to recover from the acid assault.

Floss like a boss:

Flossing is one of the most disliked parts of the oral hygiene routine, as it may feel a little uncomfortable at first. However, it is important to get over it, as flossing is essential to remove food particles trapped between the teeth. It also removes plaque between your teeth, helping prevent decay that can occur because of the plaque. When you don’t floss, bacteria trapped between the teeth attack your enamel and wear it down. These bacteria can also hurt your gums and causes gingivitis. So, start flossing your teeth now, as it can yield results no matter your age.

Remember mouthwash is important:

Although many people think mouthwash is not necessary, it serves as an added defense against bacteria living in your mouth. Mouthwash offers the benefit of reaching inaccessible areas that are difficult to clean with a toothbrush. It helps combat plaque and bacteria. And, also helps freshens breath, making it a win-win situation. But remember, mouthwash is not an alternative to brushing. It is a part of a complete oral health routine that includes proper brushing and flossing.

Give your tongue some attention:

Although it may not be on top of your mind, taking care of your tongue is essential for proper oral health. If left uncleaned, your tongue can play host to a variety of bacteria, especially the one causing bad breath. To kick these bacteria to the curb, clean your tongue daily with a tongue cleaner. It will not only help in improving your breath but will also remove harmful bacteria that might inflame your gums.

Choose a Healthy Diet:

In addition to a proper oral care routine, the food you choose and how often you eat them also affect your oral health. Choosing the right foods is as important as considering what foods to avoid. If you consume too many sugar-filled sodas, sweetened fruit drinks, or non-nutritious snacks, you could be at risk for tooth decay. So, to keep tooth decay and cavities at bay, avoid carb-heavy foods that sticky and high in sugar. Eat fruits and vegetables packed with nutrients and antioxidants that will keep your oral and overall health in line.

Bonus Tip!

Oral hygiene needs vary from person to person. So, always use oral hygiene products best suited to your oral care needs, as they will help you meet good oral hygiene more effectively.