When you meet someone, their mouth is usually one of the first things you notice about them.
That’s because your mouth is a major focal point, and whether you’re talking, eating, or taking a picture, it’s regularly on display. But, because many oral health issues go unnoticed until it’s too late, we can end up putting dental hygiene on the back burner.
Dental health is not only important for appearance and confidence, but for your overall health. Issues like cavities, tooth decay, infections, and gum disease can leave you with unwanted health complications that could have been avoided.
BFR, Repeat
One of the best ways to combat these oral health issues is to follow the BFR routine:
1. Brush: With your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums, brush back and forth in small strokes. Do this for two full minutes and move the brush until you’ve covered every tooth. Brush your tongue to remove bacteria. Repeat twice a day, morning and night.
2. Floss: Using a floss pick or piece of floss held between your thumb and forefingers, guide it between each tooth. Curve the floss into a C shape against the tooth and move in a gentle rubbing motion—never snap the floss into the gums. Repeat daily or as often as you can throughout the week.
3. Rinse: Finish your routine with an oral rinse to kill any leftover bacteria. Mouthwash containing fluoride strengthens teeth and helps prevent cavities. Swish the rinse for 30-60 seconds, moving it around to every part of your mouth, and then spit it out. Repeat daily.
Other helpful ways to improve your dental hygiene include decreasing your sugar intake, avoiding tobacco, visiting the dentist regularly, and eating a diet packed with fruits and vegetables.
Start Young
If you’re a parent, you know that sometimes it’s like pulling teeth to get your child ready for bed.
However challenging it may be, emphasizing the importance of dental hygiene at a young age will help them establish a lasting routine.
Dental issues are one of the most common health problems among adults, so it’s imperative we teach children how to care for their oral health properly.
Here are tips to help improve your child’s dental hygiene:
- Demonstrate to them the proper way to brush and floss
- Purchase a fun new toothbrush to encourage them to use it
- Create a bathroom “Brush, Floss, Rinse” chart and offer a reward at the end of each week for accomplishing daily tasks
- Schedule a dentist appointment if it’s been a while since you or your children last visited
- Try to limit their sugar intake by not keeping sugary foods and drinks in the house
For dental or oral emergencies such as sliced gums, knocked out teeth, a busted lip, etc., Tulsa ER & Hospital is here to help. We are ready to assist you with any type of medical emergency, 24/7, 365 days a year.
Disclaimer: As a service to our readers, Tulsa ER & Hospital and Nutex Health state no content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinicians.
Nutex Health, Inc supports you and your family’s health. You can depend on Tulsa ER & Hospital or any of our concierge-level, medical facilities to deliver the emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
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