Dental Hygiene - Habits To Be Followed!

It is recommended to place the toothbrush at an angle of 45-degrees near the gum line so that bristles are in contact with both the teeth and the gum. Brushing should be done lightly with short strokes of back and forth movement. You should also brush the surfaces of tongue and roof of the mouth.

Anti-decay toothpaste contains fluoride in it. It may be in the form of sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride, or monofluorophosphate. The fluoride content is above 1,000 ppm in anti-decay toothpaste. For children, anti-decay toothpaste contains 500 ppm of fluoride. Fluoride provides a protective barrier to your teeth and fights with germs which may cause tooth decay.

It has been found that flossing alongside brushing is much more effective in removing plaque and protecting the teeth from cavity and gingivitis. Floss reaches the tight spaces between your teeth, which efficiently removes the hard-to-reach plaque. However, if not done with proper technique, it may damage the gums causing bleeding and potential infection.

Chlorhexidine mouthwash may cause discoloration or staining of teeth, if overused or used for long-term. And, if you are on a prescription of chlorhexidine mouthwash, try to avoid coffee, tea, red wine, or anything which may stain your teeth. It is also advisable not to use chlorhexidine mouthwash if you have tooth crown made of composite or glass ionomer.