We always assume that we are connoisseurs when it comes to oral health and hygiene. But are we really? There are so many things related to oral hygiene that we are unaware of. Did you know you need to brush your teeth for at least 2 mins to properly clean your teeth? There are so many such facts that would help keep your oral health intact. When you are cleaning your teeth, you are not only avoiding the risk of getting cavities but also gum disease, gingivitis and other such complications. A tooth infection, if left untreated can even affect the brain and heart. Hence, we must keep our teeth in top condition. Let’s find out some of the dental facts that we need to know to avoid those painful visits to dentists.

• Don’t rush when you brush:

American Dental Association (ADA) suggests that one should brush for at least 2 minutes, twice per day, for your teeth to be free of plaque. So, always spend a minimum of 2 minutes brushing your teeth. It is always best to inculcate this habit in children as early as two years.

• Brush twice a day:

Not many of us follow this habit. However, brushing your teeth in the morning and before bed helps in removing harmful bacteria and germs and leaves you with healthy and clean teeth. Brushing your teeth right after having food is not recommended. So, it’s best to stick to the morning and night schedule. While you are brushing, remember to clean your tongue as well.

• Use the right toothpaste and Brush:

Always choose the right equipment to keep oral hygiene. Toothpastes that contain fluoride help prevent tooth decay and hence, they’re recommended by dentists. The toothbrushes you use should always be soft-bristled ones that fit the mouth comfortably. It’s better to use an electric toothbrush than manually-operated ones as they can reduce plaque and prevent gingivitis.

• Flossing for finer teeth:

If your oral health regime does not include flossing then it needs to be revised for sure. Floss and interdental brushes are the only two tools that can help clean in between teeth. They reduce your chances of having tooth decay, gum disease and even bad breath.

• Quit smoking: Are you a smoker?

If you have sensitive gums and teeth, it’s about time that you stopped. The toxins in cigarettes may distort your diagnosis of gum disease. As a result, it may aggravate the tartar and thereby destroy your teeth tissues.

• Consult your dentist regularly:

Frequent your dentists to ensure that your teeth are healthy and clean. This helps in identifying cavities and teeth decays in advance and start treatments early on. Also, do teeth cleanings now and then to reduce the risk of tooth decay.

• Replace your toothbrush often:

Whether your toothbrush is worn-out or not, it is advised that we should replace it with the new one every 3 months. If you are using an electric one, replace the heads every three months. These hygiene factors are applicable for those wearing OrthoFX clear aligners as well. It’s important to make your oral hygiene a priority when you are undergoing clear aligner therapy. Hence, always ensure that you brush and floss your teeth twice a day.