Wet your toothbrush, put a little toothpaste on your toothbrush, brush and you’re done: it’s that simple, right? That may be enough, but if you really want to take a thorough approach to brushing your teeth and strive for perfect oral health, there are more steps you can take.
Brushing your teeth
Brushing your teeth is so much more than having a quick go with a toothbrush before you run out the door. Don’t get us wrong: if you brush your teeth twice a day, you’re already doing a very good job, because about a third of the Dutch brush their teeth less than twice a day! If you do brush neatly twice a day, but want to take your oral and dental care to the next level, we have the necessary tips for you.
Flossing
Flossing is incredibly important for healthy teeth and gums, yet it is often forgotten. Floss helps to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth in places where a toothbrush often cannot reach properly. This protects your gums from inflammation and gum disease in the long run.
In addition, flossing helps maintain fresh breath, as food particles and other bacteria between your teeth can cause an unpleasant odor. Dental plaque, which flossing prevents, can also lead to discoloration of your teeth. So flossing also helps make your teeth appear whiter.
Interdental brushes
Ever heard of interdental brushes? Colloquially, these mini brushes are also known as brushes. Now it may seem excessive to use these brushes if you already floss, but that’s not entirely true. They are often an excellent alternative to floss and come in different sizes to suit different tooth spaces.
Interdental brushes are particularly effective at removing plaque and food debris, especially between the molars. Floss is fine for reaching the space between your molars where they touch, but closer to the gums there is often more space between teeth. It can be difficult to effectively remove plaque in those corners with floss. The rag – thanks to the different sizes in which they are available – fills this space, making cleaning much easier and more effective.
Mouthwash
Another great addition to your oral care routine is mouthwash. It contributes to fresh breath, reduces the risk of cavities and inflammation. In addition, fluoride can help remineralize tooth enamel, which is important for preventing cavities. But beware, it cannot be considered a replacement for toothbrushing!
Oil pulling
You may have come across it on TikTok: oil pulling. This originally Ayurvedic oral care technique recommends taking a tablespoon of vegetable oil, such as coconut oil, sesame oil or sunflower oil, into your mouth and swishing it around for 15 to 20 minutes. The theory behind oil pulling is that the oil “attracts” and retains bacteria and toxins in the mouth so you can spit them out along with the oil.
Opinions on TikTok are enthusiastic; users claim that their teeth are whiter, their breath feels fresher and they have had no more cavities. Oil pulling can be a fine addition to your routine if you are looking for natural methods to improve your oral health. However, keep in mind that you should not use this method as a substitute for other important steps such as brushing your teeth, flossing and visiting the dentist regularly.