Beyond Brushing: The Holistic Approach to Oral Care for a Healthier You

Oral care is an essential part of our daily routine, but are we doing enough to maintain good oral health? While brushing is crucial, there’s more to oral care than just this basic practice. Contrary to what many of us believe, maintaining good oral health goes beyond just brushing your teeth. By embracing a holistic approach to oral care, only achieve a healthier mouth, but also improve your overall well-being.

Dr Chandresh Shah, Cosmetic and Aesthetic Dentist. Entrepreneur, Surat shares some of the general oral hygiene instructions to keep your mouth healthy:

1. Right way of BrushingBrushing your teeth is the first and foremost step in maintaining oral hygiene. Aim to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Always opt for a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush as hard bristles can harm your gums and tooth enamel. When brushing, position your toothbrush at an angle of 45-degrees towards your gums. This technique helps push away the plaque and bacteria build-up at the gum line. Ensure thorough brushing of all areas of your teeth, including the difficult-to-reach backs and sides.
2. FlossingFlossing should be an integral part of your oral care routine. Floss at least once a day to clean the spaces between your teeth, where toothbrush bristles often cannot reach. To floss efficiently, take approximately 18-inch-long piece of floss and wrap both the ends around your middle fingers. With your thumbs and forefingers, guide the floss between your teeth and clean each tooth with about 10 strokes up and down. Repeat this process for all your teeth. If you struggle with traditional flossing, you can use interproximal brushes, dental picks, or water flossers for cleaning between your teeth. However, remember that while water flossers are great for removing large food particles, they cannot remove the biofilm from your teeth surfaces. Therefore, complement water flossers with traditional dental floss.
3. Tongue CleaningYour tongue can hold bacteria like a sponge. Therefore, every time you brush your teeth, don’t forget to clean your tongue. You can use your toothbrush or a dedicated tongue scraper for this purpose.
4. Mouth RinsingUse an antibacterial mouthwash every day to keep harmful bacteria away. In addition to washing away food particles, a mouthwash also benefits by reducing plaque buildup. Opt for an alcohol-free mouthwash to avoid dry mouth.
5. Regular Dental Check-upsRegular dental check-ups are a must for maintaining oral health. Most people benefit from biannual visits, but if you are prone to dental issues like cavities or gum disease, you may need more frequent visits to your dentist. Oral prophylaxis, commonly known as dental cleaning, is a professional procedure that involves removing plaque, tartar, and stains from the teeth. Regular cleanings are essential for maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing gum disease, cavities, and other oral health issues.
6. Limit Sugary and Acidic Foods and DrinksConsuming sugary and acidic foods and drinks can lead to tooth decay and erosion. Limiting these types of foods and drinks can help maintain good oral hygiene and prevent dental issues in future. Instead, opt for healthier options like fruits, vegetables, and water to promote better oral and overall health.
7. Chew Sugarless GumChewing sugarless gum stimulates the production of saliva, which helps wash away food particles, neutralize acids, and strengthen tooth enamel. It’s a handy way to freshen breath and promote oral health between meals.
8. Gum MassagesMassaging the gums with clean fingers or a soft toothbrush can improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote gum health. It can also help ease discomfort from teething or gum sensitivity.

Remember, a healthier you start with a healthier mouth. Embrace these comprehensive oral care steps and make them a part of your daily routine for enhancing overall health.