Maintaining good oral health is essential for overall well-being. Dr. Nehal Sanghani provides practical advice and tips in her dental vlog on effectively caring for your teeth and mouth. Below is a detailed summary of her ten tips for better oral health.
1. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Regular dental checkups are crucial for maintaining oral health. Ideally, you should visit your dentist every six months. However, more frequent visits (every three months) may be necessary for individuals with gum diseases or specific dental conditions. Dentists and dental hygienists can remove plaque and tartar, and they provide personalized treatment plans.
2. Proper and Effective Tooth Brushing
Proper tooth brushing is vital for oral hygiene. Here are the key points:
- Use a soft-bristle toothbrush or an electric toothbrush to avoid abrasion and sensitivity.
- Employ a 45-degree or Bass technique: tilt your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and use gentle back-and-forth motions.
- Brush all sides of your teeth: facial, chewing surfaces, and inside surfaces.
- Don’t forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh.
- Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day, using a timer if necessary.
3. Use the Right Toothpaste and Amount
Select a toothpaste that contains fluoride, and use only a pea-sized amount on your toothbrush. Fluoride helps to strengthen the enamel and prevent cavities.
4. Don’t Rinse After Brushing
Avoid rinsing your mouth immediately after brushing to allow the fluoride in the toothpaste to remain on your teeth longer and be more effective. Also, wait 30 minutes after a meal before brushing to avoid damaging the enamel.
5. Floss Every Day
Flossing once a day, preferably in the evening, helps remove food particles stuck between your teeth. You can use regular floss, floss picks, ergonomic floss, or a water pick. Pull out enough floss to reach from your fingertips to your elbow (approximately 18 cm) for effective cleaning.
6. Use a Fluoride Mouthwash
Mouthwash reduces bacteria in the mouth and complements brushing and flossing. However, don’t use it immediately after brushing to avoid washing away the fluoride from your toothpaste.
7. Avoid Foods High in Sugar and Carbohydrates
Sugary and carbohydrate-rich foods feed bacteria in your mouth, leading to acid production and cavities. Avoid sticky foods like caramels, toffees, raisins, candies, and chocolates.
8. Avoid Hard Foods
Foods like pistachios, taco shells, and chicharron can cause fractures or chips in your teeth. They may also lead to more severe dental problems, requiring treatments like root canals or extractions.
9. Limit Intake of Hot and Cold Foods and Beverages
Extreme temperatures can cause expansion and contraction in your teeth, leading to sensitivity and pain. Limit the consumption of very hot or cold foods and beverages like ice cream or hot coffee.
10. Avoid Bad Habits
Habits like biting your nails, using your teeth to open bottles, or chewing on pens can damage your teeth. These activities can cause cracks, fractures, and other dental issues.
11. Stop Smoking
Smoking leads to severe gum diseases like periodontitis, which can cause tooth loss. Smokers often have deep gum pockets and other oral health issues. Quitting smoking is essential for maintaining healthy gums and teeth.
Conclusion
Following these ten tips can significantly improve your oral health. Remember to visit your dentist regularly, brush and floss properly, avoid harmful foods and habits, and use dental products correctly. Watch Dr. Nehal Sanghani full YouTube video for more in-depth information and practical demonstrations.