According to you, have you implemented good oral hygiene? Good oral hygiene means practicing a series of good habits that improve and protect teeth and gums. Pay attention to the following points as signs that you have applied good oral hygiene:

• Able to speak fluently
• Able to chew
• Able to make facial expressions without pain
• Do not feel any discomfort
• Do not feel a loss of confidence

Goals and Negative Impacts If Not Maintained

Surely, the goal of maintaining oral hygiene is to prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar on teeth. In addition, this good habit will protect you from dental and gum diseases. If you do not regularly practice oral hygiene, the signs you will experience are as follows:

• Cavities
• Loose teeth
• Bad breath
• Swollen jaw
• Gum disease leading to loose teeth, bleeding, difficulty chewing, or other unwanted problems
• Mouth infections due to bacteria or viruses
• Poor appearance of teeth affecting mental well-being and lowering self-confidence

Strategies to Maintain Oral Hygiene

1. Brush Teeth at Least Twice a Day

Brush your teeth thoroughly at least 2 times a day regularly. Usually, it's divided into morning and night. The tip is to brush your teeth for about 2 minutes, with 30 seconds for each side (lower front, upper front, upper inner, and lower inner). Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, especially if the bristles are worn out and splayed.

2. Use Products Containing Fluoride

Fluoride is a mineral that can help strengthen teeth. Therefore, try to have a brand of toothpaste that contains fluoride. Read carefully the information usually listed on the back of the packaging.

3. Don't Forget Flossing

In addition to brushing teeth, another important part of oral hygiene is flossing once a day (cleaning between teeth using dental floss). Flossing aims to remove food debris trapped between teeth and along the gum line that cannot be reached by a toothbrush.

4. Perform Techniques Correctly

Regularly cleaning teeth is important, but the technique used must also be correct. Use a toothbrush of the right size to access all tooth surfaces, make sure the angle formed while brushing is 45 degrees (brush towards the gums), reach all sides (outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of teeth), brush gently with short strokes (back and forth), and don't forget to brush the tongue.

5. Adopt a Balanced Nutritious Diet

Dental health can be influenced by what you eat and drink. Avoid consuming sticky and gummy chewing gum, hard candies, bread, chips, cookies, sweet and carbonated drinks (especially those high in sugar and citric acid).

6. Reduce Alcohol and Cigarette Consumption

Alcohol and cigarettes can damage dental health. Alcohol can increase the risk of oral cancer and cause periodontitis, while cigarettes are closely related to gum disease. Use mouthwash containing active ingredients such as chlorhexidine or fluoride to maintain good dental hygiene.

So, those are 6 tips to maintain dental hygiene. Also, make sure to visit the dentist regularly. Through routine check-ups, you can prevent the buildup of plaque or tartar and ensure there are no problems with your teeth. Schedule at least once a year for tartar cleaning.

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