Research Round #1 – Inquiry

It might seem so simple to some people but many often need to be reminded how they can keep up good day to day dental health. In this round of research I will be looking into the areas that we should be focusing on every day. Some we might already do, some maybe not or if we already do it there might be a way to enhance the way we execute.

1. Brush twice a day: It is important to brush not only in the morning to get rid of morning breath but it also important to brush at night to get rid of plaque and germs that accumulated during the day. (1) (3)
2. Brushing the correct way: If you’re not brushing properly I can be equally as a bad as not brushing at all. The correct way to brush is in a gentle circular motion and taking your time to get most of the plaque removed. Faster and harder is not better. (1) (3)
3. Brush your tongue: Not only can plaque stick to your teeth it can also buildup on your tongue. In saying that, that is usually what causes bad mouth and other oral health problems. (1) (3)
4. Fluoride: When included in your tooth paste it will help create a barrier to your tooth while also getting rid of harmful germs that can cause decay. There has been talk that fluoride might harm other areas in the body but that is only true if ingested in a very large quantity. (1)
5. Flossing: Doesn’t need to be twice a day like brushing but should be done at least once a day. It helps to stimulate the gums, reduce plaque, and help lower inflammation in the area, it might hard for some to floss but there are tools to make it easier example. A waterpik/water flosser. (1) (3)
6. Mouthwash: Helps to freshen breathe and kill unwanted germs/bacteria. (1) (3)
7. See your dentist twice a year: Seeing the dentist every 6 months will help to get that extra built in plaque and calculus that you cannot remove from everyday brushing. They have the entire view of your mouth and a high speed brush to help. The dentist will also be able to identify cavities and other problems we may not be able to see ourselves. (1) (3)

Three things you should do that surprised me:

1. Drink water: Can help get rid of stubborn sticky and acidic foods in between you brushing your teeth in the morning then at night. (1) (2)
2. Avoid sugary and acidic foods: Sugary and acidic foods can break down your tooth’s enamel making you more susceptible to cavities and other problems if the cavity gets deep enough. You don’t need to cut them out of your diet completely but you should be more mindful. (1) (2)
3. Crunchy fruits and veggies: Helps to get your jaw moving and are typically higher in fiber that help to keep your teeth and gums clean as well as keeps your saliva flowing. (1) (2)

Links:

• Cherney, K. (2017, November 13). 11 Ways to Keep Your Teeth Healthy. Retrieved November 13, 2017, from https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/best-practices-for-healthy-teeth#1
• Kapner, M., Foley, M., & Goode, P. (n.d.). The Best and Worst Foods for Your Teeth. Retrieved from https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=1&ContentID=4062
• What Your Oral Hygiene Routine Should Consist Of. (2019, May 6). Retrieved from https://www.123dentist.com/what-your-oral-hygiene-routine-should-consist-of/

In my next round of research I will be digging deeper into what we really do wrong and how we can fix it using correct methods and/or the best products to make sure that you’re are using the most effective items.