Keeping good oral hygiene prevents oral health problems like-1
- Bad breath (halitosis), etc
Bad oral health may have ill effects on the whole body, like-1
- Heart disease,
- Stroke,
- Pneumonia,
- Pregnancy complications, etc
What should be your daily oral hygiene routine?
- Brush your teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.1,2,3
- Floss daily to clean the spaces between your teeth where a brush can't reach.1,2,3
- Clean your tongue with a toothbrush or tongue scraper.1,2
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash (like Povidone-iodine mouthwash) to keep away harmful oral bacteria.1,4
- Drink fluoridated water to protect your teeth all through the day. 2
- Quit smoking or using other tobacco products, as it may cause gum diseases and oral cancer.1,2,3
- Limit the consumption of sugary drinks and alcohol.2,3
- Visit your dentist regularly for dental check-ups and cleanings.1,2
The best oral hygiene routine is the one that is practiced regularly.
References-
- Clevelandclinic[Internet]. Oral Hygiene. Updated on: April 2022; cited on: 9th October 2023. Available from:https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16914-oral-hygiene
- NIH[Internet]. Oral Hygiene. Updated on: September 2023; cited on: 9th October 2023. Available from: https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/oral-hygiene
- CDC[Internet]. Oral Health Tips. Cited on: 9th October 2023. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/adult-oral-health/tips.html
- Amtha R, Kanagalingam J. Povidone-iodine in dental and oral health: A narrative review. J Int Oral Health 2020;12:407-12