Oral hygiene and maintaining it at good levels is very important for healthy teeth and gums, fresh and cool breath, but also for your overall health. There are some small habits you need to adopt in your daily life, as well as tips to keep in mind. Let's see in detail what steps you can follow and what products you can use to achieve perfect oral hygiene.

1. Brushing teeth

Brushing is the most important source of maintaining good oral hygiene. It requires frequency and consistency to yield results and is more than just a simple daily routine that you need to incorporate into your routine. Furthermore, to achieve the perfect brushing, you need the right allies:

Toothbrush

Manual or electric toothbrush? There is no right answer to this question, but there is the appropriate toothbrush for each of us. Depending on the condition and hygiene of your teeth and mouth, or any conditions you may have, such as gingivitis, periodontitis, etc., in consultation with your dentist, you can find the toothbrush that suits your needs the most.

• Manual toothbrush:

A conventional toothbrush is easy and simple to use, offering good performance, as you can determine the intensity, where to emphasize, and the duration of brushing. It is an economical solution and the choice should be made based on the hardness that is suitable for each person. For example, if you have sensitive teeth, then a softer toothbrush may be for you, while if you smoke regularly or drink beverages on a daily basis, such as coffee or red wine, a harder one would be the ideal choice.

• Electric toothbrush: 

On the other hand, an electric toothbrush can offer you the desired results with almost zero effort, as it features oscillation, rotation, and sonic technologies. Additionally, many electric toothbrushes offer specialized functions and settings, such as brushing for sensitive teeth or gum care. They also have capabilities like connectivity to an app, so you can monitor your brushing habits at any time and customize it.

You can learn more about how to choose the right buying guide for electric toothbrushes.

Toothpaste

As important as choosing the right toothbrush is, so is choosing the ideal toothpaste. Depending on your needs, you can choose a toothpaste for sensitive teeth, for whitening, against plaque or tartar. It is good to choose the right toothpaste in consultation with the dentist and based on the needs of your oral hygiene, personal preferences (e.g. flavor) and any conditions that may arise.

Remember! The right amount plays an important role in performance and desired results.

Tips for proper and effective tooth brushing:

• Brush for at least 2 minutes, at least 2 times a day (morning & evening).
• Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle (in relation to the gums) for better coverage.
• Make gentle circular motions. There's no need to scrub with too much force.
• Brush all surfaces (outer, inner, and top).
• Don't forget to brush the gum line and tongue for maximum results.

2. Pay attention to the details

Most people think that simple brushing is enough for a healthy mouth and fresh breath. In reality, however, it is only half the job, which is wasted without the extra effort. The toothbrush is not always effective and cannot accurately reach between the teeth or the back.

For this reason, you need 2 more allies:

Dental floss

Using dental floss in your daily routine, at least once a day, can help remove plaque and food debris between the teeth that the toothbrush cannot reach. The correct technique is the one that brings the best results.

Tips for proper and effective use of dental floss:

• Use gentle motions. Strong movements can hurt the gums.
• If the dental floss does not have a handle, you will need about 45 cm of floss.
• Wrap the ends of the floss around a finger on each hand.
• Hold the floss gently between stretched thumbs and index fingers (keep a gap of about 2.5 cm between them).
• With gentle back-and-forth motions, place the floss between the teeth.
• Once the floss reaches the gum line, form a C-shaped curve around each tooth and gently rub the floss upwards.
• To not forget the back side of the last tooth or any other tooth, maintain a steady rhythm.

Interdental Brushes

Interdental brushes are small brushes specially designed to clean between the teeth, where toothbrushes cannot reach. Just like floss - they are essentially an easier alternative. Using them can significantly improve oral hygiene, as they effectively act against plaque, while also contributing to gum health.

Their use is particularly recommended for people wearing braces, masks, etc., as the brushes can reach and clean residues in hard-to-reach areas that a toothbrush cannot reach.

3. Use of mouthwash

Mouthwash can reduce the presence of bacteria or gum diseases and keep your breath fresher and cooler for longer. It is a process that is good to do in combination with brushing your teeth and not as an alternative form. Mouthwashes with fluoride can help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities.

In case of artificial dentures, make sure you use the appropriate products for both cleaning and placement. 

4. Diet & Habits

A proper and balanced diet, rich in fruits and vegetables or whole grain products, can contribute to maintaining good oral hygiene. It is advisable to avoid consuming fatty products or products with added sugar frequently, as well as soft drinks, coffee, red wine, and other beverages that can lead to enamel erosion, which serves as a protective layer for the teeth.

Furthermore, never forget to drink water throughout the day. Hydration plays a very important role in oral health and is another benefit that water offers to your body. On the contrary, a dry mouth can more easily show signs of tooth decay, gingivitis, and other diseases.

Lastly, adopt good habits that contribute to a fresher breath. For example, you can reduce alcohol consumption and avoid smoking. It is widely known that good oral hygiene and smoking do not go together. Additionally, you can choose to chew sugar-free gum, which stimulates saliva production and naturally cleans the mouth throughout the day.

5. Regular visits to the dentist

Of course, the secret to good oral hygiene is to regularly visit your dentist, at least 2 times a year, perhaps even more frequently if you are experiencing any issues. Don't forget to have cleanings done as often as recommended, depending on the condition of your teeth. You will see significant results and feel fresher breath. Additionally, with frequent visits to the dentist, you can prevent oral diseases at an early stage and treat them with the right treatment.

See also products for children's & infant toothbrushing, because maintaining good oral hygiene starts early.