Brush twice daily: One of the most effective and easiest way of maintaining good oral hygiene is brushing. Brushing correctly twice a day helps in preventing cavities in the teeth as well as gum diseases.
Floss daily: Not flossing leaves 62% of the surfaces of the teeth dirty despite brushing. Flossing removes debris from the surfaces of the teeth that can’t be accessed by the brush. It should be done once a day.
Reduce consumption of soda: People who drink excessive soda based drinks have a 70% greater chance of getting tooth decay as compared to people who avoid it. These drinks, not only damage teeth due to their acidic nature, but also damage the rest of the digestive system and can cause obesity as they are loaded with sugar.
Reduce consumption of alcohol/caffeine: Alcohol and caffeine based drinks are dehydrating. They tend to dry the mouth and make it more prone to cavities and infections. The drinks containing alcohol and caffeine generally also contain pigments that stain the teeth.
Quit smoking: Smoking not only damages the lungs, but also the delicate lining of the mouth and the gums. The gums of smokers detach from the teeth over time loosening then ultimately resulting in tooth loss.
Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in vitamin A and E helps in keeping the mouth healthy and can also help in preventing oral cancer.
Get a dentist’s opinion: Even though you might feel your mouth is healthy, it is always advisable to take the help of a professional. Even with regular adequate oral hygiene practices, it is recommended to get a cleaning done professionally every 6 months.
If you are able to stick to these practices, you can have a happy as well as a healthier new year.