Maintaining good dental hygiene is a crucial part of protecting our overall health and well-being. Poor oral health can lead to various problems, including gum disease, tooth decay, and more.
Fortunately, keeping your teeth and gums healthy doesn't have to be complicated. Here, we look at some simple dental hygiene techniques that anyone can follow to keep healthy.
Brushing Techniques
Brushing your teeth is the cornerstone of dental hygiene. That’s why so much emphasis is placed on the importance of brushing your teeth. Here are some techniques to help improve your brushing.
Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
It is widely advised that you should brush your teeth at least twice a day—once in the morning and once before bed is the most common pattern.
Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean your teeth and gums. Make sure to brush for at least two minutes, covering all surfaces of your teeth, including the front and back of your teeth.
Find The Right Toothbrush
One of the most impactful steps you can take to manage your dental hygiene is to find the right toothbrush for you.
Protect Your Teeth
Whether you prefer an electric toothbrush or a manual one, find one that has soft bristles that will not damage your gums or enamel.
At Sustuff our minimalist bamboo toothbrushes are stylish and effective manual brushes that will help you keep up with oral hygiene.
Available in both jungle green and eclipse black our brushes start from £12.99 (price may vary due to future sales/promotions).
Replace your toothbrush regularly
We have already established how important it is to regularly brush your teeth. But how do you know when to replace your toothbrush?
The answer to this is every three to four months. Be aware that you might need to replace it sooner if the bristles become frayed.
Sustuff’s plastic alternative toothbrushes come with three replacement heads, this means that you will be able to keep your stylish handle for longer and just swap out the heads when required.
Brush gently
The final technique you should keep in mind around brushing your teeth is to avoid brushing too hard. Brushing with too much force can cause gum recession and enamel wear over time.
Flossing techniques
Flossing is an essential part of dental hygiene that many people overlook. Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and along the gum line.
It is important to floss because there are areas of your mouth that your toothbrush might struggle to reach. Making it a habit to floss at least once a day, will help you keep on top of any missed areas.
Here are some tips to help improve your flossing.
Use enough floss
It is recommended to use around 18 inches of floss to achieve the best results. You should wind most of the floss around your fingers and leave the remaining few inches to work with.
Floss gently
Slide the floss gently between your teeth, curving it around each tooth and moving it up and down. Flossing with too much force, like brushing, can cause more harm than good.
Don't forget the back teeth
Make sure to floss all your teeth, including the ones at the back of your mouth. Remember flossing works because it is covering the areas that might be missed when brushing. So, flossing all areas of your teeth is vital.
Add mouthwash to your routine
Mouthwash can be a great addition to your dental hygiene routine. It helps kill bacteria, freshen your breath, and reach areas that brushing and flossing might miss.
Choose an antibacterial mouthwash that contains fluoride for added protection against cavities. Here are some general mouthwashing tips to help you get started.
Follow the instructions
Use the recommended amount of mouthwash and swish it around your mouth for the suggested time, usually 30 seconds to one minute will be enough to keep you healthy.
Don't rinse with water
Avoid rinsing your mouth with water immediately after using mouthwash to allow the active ingredients to work effectively.
Maintain a healthy diet
Your diet plays a significant role in your dental health. Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Avoiding sugary and acidic foods and drinks where possible can also contribute to a reduction in tooth decay and enamel erosion.
Another important dietary tip is to drink plenty of water. This is because water helps to wash away food particles and bacteria, and staying hydrated is essential for overall health.
Visit your dentist regularly
Regular dental check-ups are crucial for maintaining good oral health. Your dentist can detect and treat problems early, preventing them from becoming more serious.
Aim to visit your dentist at least once a year for a professional cleaning and examination.
Take the next step to better manual brushing
Good oral health is a lifelong commitment, and taking care of your teeth and gums will pay off in the long run.
As well as following dietary advice and having regular dental check-ups you should be brushing your teeth as well as possible each day.
That’s where Sustuff comes in and might be able to help. Check out our collection of toothbrushes that are a great alternative to fully-plastic brushes!