Some people make mistakes in their oral hygiene routines, putting their dental health at risk, according to medical experts. Here are tips to enhance your oral hygiene. ALSO READ: Oral health: Why you shouldn’t neglect your teeth or gums Avoid sharp toothbrushes Dr. Michael Kagoda, a dental surgeon at Jubilee Dental Clinic, told The New Times that many people choose hard-bristled toothbrushes, believing they will be more effective. However, these brushes can damage enamel and irritate the gums. “Use a soft bristle toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste,” said Kagoda. 2. Don’t overbrush your teeth Brushing your teeth excessively can lead to damage. Brushing twice a day is generally sufficient for maintaining dental health. Over brushing can wear down enamel and cause gum recession. 3. Brush all your teeth and tongue It’s crucial to brush all of your teeth, including the molars at the back of your mouth. Don’t only brush the visible surfaces, make sure to brush all surfaces of teeth: inside, outside, top. Additionally, remember to brush your tongue, as neglecting it can contribute to halitosis, which is caused by bacteria and food particles. Evode Uwitije, a dental therapist at Gentle Dental Clinic in Kigali, told Rwanda Broadcasting Agency on August 8, that “90 per cent of halitosis patients don't brush their tongue.” 4. Replace your toothbrush regularly Many people wait too long to replace their toothbrushes, often until the bristles are frayed. Old toothbrushes can harbour bacteria and cause damage to your teeth and gums. Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles become worn. 5. Clean and store your toothbrush properly After each use, rinse your toothbrush thoroughly and store it in an upright position where it can air dry. A wet toothbrush can become a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to dental issues. ALSO READ: Maintain oral hygiene to boost overall health 6. Wait before brushing after eating Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after consuming acidic foods or drinks, such as fruits or sodas. Acid can weaken enamel, and brushing right away may cause further damage. Wait at least 30 minutes after eating to allow saliva to neutralize acids and strengthen your teeth. In the meantime, you can rinse your mouth with water. 7. Choose the right tooth gel Use only toothpaste recommended by your dentist. Your dentist can guide you on the appropriate type and timing for using toothpaste, whether before or after meals. Using toothpaste improperly can diminish its effectiveness. 8. Don’t rinse completely after brushing Kagoda added that it is recommended you do not rinse your mouth completely clean of the fluoride toothpaste you applied because the fluoride molecules are essential in reversing the demineralising effects of plaque bacteria on your teeth by remineralising them. “It's important they [fluoride toothpaste] stay in contact with your tooth surface for at least one hour. So, rinse for just a little comfort but not completely clean,” added Kagoda. 9. Floss at least once a day Kagoda added: “Floss at least once a day preferably, before bed.” He explains that flossing teeth is a key component of oral hygiene that involves using a thin, flexible piece of string called dental floss to clean between the teeth and along the gum line. Flossing helps remove plaque—a sticky, colourless film of bacteria that forms on teeth—and food particles that can get stuck between teeth and along the gum line. Plaque buildup can lead to tooth decay and gum disease if not removed regularly. 10. Don’t share toothbrush According to Oral Health Foundation, “the mouth harbours hundreds of different kinds of bacteria that can be easily transferred from one person to another. You can control this by only using your own toothbrush. “By avoiding using other people’s toothbrushes you will prevent the mixing of bacteria and plaque. This will protect the health of yourself as well as others.” ALSO READ: Low uptake of dental check-ups raises concerns among dentists It's important to start caring for a baby’s teeth as soon as the first tooth erupts. Babies can also experience halitosis if their teeth are not cleaned properly from an early age. Children younger than three, caregivers should brush the teeth with a smear of toothpaste “the size of a grain of rice,” and those aged three to six should be given no more than a pea-size amount, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. The World Health Organization and the World Dental Federation report that oral diseases impact about 3.5 billion people globally. Among them, 2.3 billion experience tooth decay in their permanent teeth, and 530 million children have tooth decay in their primary teeth.
