Dental Hygiene
My name is Noor Bains and I am a second year majoring in Nutritional Sciences with a focus on Toxicology. This is my first semester in BPSHI and I am an intern for External Community Outreach. As a pre dental student intending to go to dental school, I have had the opportunity to shadow dentists, dental assistants, and dental hygienists over the past 3 years. From those valuable experiences, I have learned a few things about dental hygiene that dental professionals highly recommend in order to have healthy teeth.
Choosing the right toothpaste: When choosing which toothpaste to buy, make sure it contains fluoride in it. This essential ingredient fights bacteria that lead to tooth decay, and provides a protective barrier for your teeth.
Flossing is essential: Though many people treat flossing as an optional addition to their oral hygiene routine, flossing should be considered equally as important as brushing. Flossing helps lower the risk of gum disease by reducing gum inflammation, and reduces plaque buildup, preventing the formation of tartar. If flossing is a difficult process, there are ready-to-use dental flossers and oral irrigators such as WaterPiks available at a drugstore near you. Though flossing can be tedious, it is certainly worth the extra time and effort in the long run.
Mouthwash is not a substitute for brushing/flossing: Mouthwash is a great step to add to your dental hygiene routine, but it should not replace brushing or flossing. Some mouthwash types, especially therapeutic mouthwashes, can help reduce the risk of cavities, gingivitis, bad breath, and even teeth sensitivity.
Have a healthy diet: When thinking of oral hygiene, one aspect that is often overlooked is maintaining a healthy diet. Drinking plenty of water each day can help wash out any sticky or acidic residues left on your teeth after meals. Eating crunchy fruits, such as apples, and crunchy vegetables, such as carrots, promotes jaw health, dislodges any leftover food in your teeth, and strengthens teeth with the vitamins and minerals in those crunchy fruits and vegetables.
