Often, the first thing you notice about someone is their smile. Here, we share tips and tricks to maintain a clean, beautiful smile.
Tongue Scraping
According to the Cleveland Clinic, your tongue can harbor bacteria, contributing to poor oral hygiene, poor mouth taste, and bad breath. A quick and easy solution is tongue scraping, which helps mitigate these issues. Tongue scrapers are affordable (typically $10 or less) and are available to purchase at large retailers and drugstores. There are a few options available such as plastic, copper, and stainless steel, with stainless steel often praised for its durability and anti-microbial properties. Toothbrushes can also be used as a tongue scraper, but may be slightly less effective at providing a deep clean.
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling, which involves swishing oil around in the mouth, has become popular within the last few years. While further research is needed to fully understand the practice and its benefits, it’s believed that oil pulling helps reduce bad bacteria in the mouth, which promotes good breath, lowers inflammation of the gums, and possibly prevents cavities. Coconut oil, sesame oil, and olive oil are common options for oil pulling. Prior to brushing, swish the oil around in the mouth for up to 20 minutes at a time. If you can’t hold the oil in your mouth that long, you can work up to it, starting at five minutes at a time. Spit the oil into a garbage can to avoid a clogged sink!
Daily Care
Many people may not be brushing their teeth for the full two minutes recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA). Brushing for two minutes allows for significant plaque removal, critical in preventing cavities. To help reach two minutes, set a timer while brushing, or invest in an electric toothbrush that vibrates four times, every 30 seconds, once for each quadrant of the mouth. The ADA also recommends using a fluoride toothpaste to prevent tooth decay and avoiding brushing with too much force, which can cause gum inflammation. Flossing can be done before or after brushing, and studies have shown the use of floss may reduce gingivitis, plaque, or both more effectively than tooth brushing alone.
Don’t Skip the Dentist
While brushing for two minutes and adding in additional hygiene practices into your oral health routine can be beneficial, it is important to visit your dentist twice a year for cleanings and checkups. Regular cleanings are critical for oral hygiene and preventing future issues. Checkups allow your dentist to address tooth sensitivity, discuss cosmetics such as teeth whitening or veneers, and diagnose more urgent issues such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer.
Meet the Author
Kristen Dee, BS, MA, Summa Cum Laude
Kristen Dee is a graduate of Winthrop University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in integrated marketing communications, with the distinction of Magna Cum Laude and IMC Student of the Year. Following Winthrop, Kristen earned a Master of Arts in Communication from Wake Forest University. Prior to joining CMC Publications as editor, Kristen successfully fulfilled roles involving internal corporate communications. Today, Kristen leads ideation, conceptualization, and development of numerous health, wellness, and lifestyle articles published in print and online for HealthScope, CityScope, and Choose Chattanooga magazines – premier publications serving S.E. Tennessee and North Georgia.
