Here’s a dentist’s guide to long-lasting oral health

Even as a lot of fuss is made over good oral hygiene, dentists say that it is important to understand what we are hoping to achieve.
“Good oral health means clean teeth, gums that are pink and do not bleed while flossing and fresh breath. Ensure that you know how to achieve this,” said Camp-based dentist Dr Bharat Oswal. While each one may have their own set of problems, dentists say a few basic tips go a long way in maintaining oral health.

Brushing
“It doesn’t matter for how long you brush, what is important is how you brush, i.e. the technique. Brush either in circular motion or up and down motion. Most of us brush horizontally which doesn’t clean teeth well, but wears off tooth enamel. One should brush twice daily and use medium pressure while brushing. Rather than brushing fast for shorter period of time, brush slowly for a longer time for better cleaning,” advised Oswal.

He said that medium-sized brushes should be used and if gums start to bleed, softer brushes should be used. Besides, brushes should be changed every 3-4 months.

Toothpaste
Dentists recommend that any toothpaste could be used, however, medicated toothpastes should be used only on advice of doctors. While adults should use as much paste to cover the length of bristles, in children quantity should be as much as the pinky nail.
“Children above 3 years should use toothpaste with fluoride. Besides, after 4 years of age, parents should introduce kids to flossing,” recommended paediatric dentist, Dr Iqbal Musani.

Flossing
Flossing is extremely important as brushing alone cannot remove all impurities stuck in teeth as some amount of food is always left in the crevices. Dentists say that a variety of floss is available in the market of which waxed floss is a good bet.

“It is basically a spool of thread. You cut off a certain length and hold its two ends in your middle finger. Then with the help of your index finger and thumb, go in between two teeth in sawing motion to remove things stuck in them. Ready-made floss sticks are also available in the market that look like toothpicks, but have a C-shaped floss thread attached at its base,” said dentist, Dr Yusuf Chunawala.

Other tips
Mouth rinses, especially those containing chlorhexidine, have a good anti-bacterial property and are recommended. Mouth fresheners can help in bad breath, but not a mandatory part of oral health hygiene.