Who doesn’t like fresh breath in the morning? The first thing you do when you wake up in the morning is to find your toothbrush and freshen your breath. Well, proper oral hygiene in the morning actually starts the night before! Yes! You read that right. How well you take care of your teeth before going to bed is of utmost importance every day. Let’s take a look at the routine to maintain good oral hygiene and fresh breath.
Dr Ravneet Kaur MDS (Orthodontics) Invisalign and Braces Specialist Founder, Aspen Dentals & Smiles by Dr Ravneet shares with HT Lifestyle some important steps to achieve an ideal morning oral hygiene regime. (Also read: 6 viral dental myths busted: Separating fact from fiction for healthy teeth ,
10 tips for morning oral hygiene
1. Rinse thoroughly with water: Always start your day by washing your face with water so that the dirt accumulated overnight is cleaned.
2. Brush your teeth: The importance of brushing thoroughly cannot be stressed enough. Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brushing technique is equally important. Hold the brush at about a 45-degree angle to your gums. Start at one tip and move toward the midline using short back-and-forth vibrating strokes, covering 2-3 teeth at a time. Brush for at least two minutes, making sure all surfaces of your teeth are covered.
3. Brush Type: Always use a soft or very soft toothbrush. You can also use a powered toothbrush, which improves the brushing efficiency a bit.
4. Floss: Use dental floss or an interdental brush to clean the surfaces between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach.
5. Clean your tongue: Use a tongue scraper or toothbrush to clean your tongue, as bacteria and food particles can accumulate there.
6. Use mouthwash: Rinse with an antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash to reduce bacteria inside the mouth and minimise the chance of gingivitis.
7. Check your teeth: Check your teeth and gums for any changes or problems.
8. Hydrate: Make sure you stay hydrated, as dry mouth can cause oral health problems.
9. Night Arrangement: As mentioned earlier, nighttime oral care should not be overlooked. Follow the same routine of brushing and flossing at night as well. This practice helps reduce plaque buildup, reduces the risk of dental problems, and keeps your mouth fresh throughout the night, leading to a refreshing start to the morning.
10. Other useful tips: Keep the amount of sugar in your diet to a minimum, rinse after every meal, avoid sticky foods and most importantly, visit your dentist regularly for routine check-ups.
Remember, the mouth is the gateway to your body. Your oral health is directly linked to your overall health and well-being. Last but not the least, keep smiling. Show off your healthy teeth and confident smile – it enhances your personality and improves both your personal and professional life.
