Jacqueline Fernandez recently shared her morning oral care routine, emphasizing the importance of more than just brushing. She swears by oil pulling, a method where she swishes coconut oil and herbs in her mouth for about five minutes. “It’s a great way to detoxify and cleanse your mouth, which can also be linked to gut health,” she explained.
Dr. Holika Devikar, a dental expert, agrees. She notes that traditional brushing only cleans about 40% of teeth surfaces. To keep your mouth healthy, there are some additional practices worth considering.
Oil Pulling
This ancient Ayurvedic technique involves swishing oil for 5–10 minutes. It helps remove plaque and freshen breath. However, it’s important to remember it’s not a replacement for brushing. Dr. Holika underlines that oil pulling can safely be done by kids over six, provided an adult supervises and they don’t swallow the oil.
Tongue Cleaning
Your tongue can harbor millions of bacteria that cause bad breath. A daily tongue cleaning with a scraper or toothbrush can remove these unwanted guests, keeping your breath fresh. Dr. Holika mentions that skipping this can leave up to 80% of bad bacteria untouched.
Flossing
Cavities often form between teeth, so flossing is crucial. Regular flossing can cut the risk of cavities by nearly 50%. Flossing dislodges food particles and plaque that brushing can’t reach. While water flossers are helpful, they don’t completely replace traditional flossing.
Rinsing After Meals
Rinsing your mouth after eating can wash away acids and food debris, helping to protect enamel. Dr. Holika recommends waiting at least 45 minutes after meals before using mouthwash or brushing. This pause allows the enamel to re-harden, preventing damage. Alcohol-free mouthwashes with fluoride are ideal, but even rinsing with plain water can be beneficial.
Incorporating these simple steps can strengthen your gums, reduce cavities, and ensure fresher breath. Regular attention to your oral health can be a game-changer, leading to lasting benefits.
Fun Fact
Did you know? According to a recent survey by the American Dental Association, only about 30% of people floss daily. This highlights the need to make dental care a priority!
For more on maintaining oral health, check out resources from the American Dental Association.
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Jacqueline Fernandez, oral hygiene, oil pulling, detoxification, tongue cleaning, flossing, dental health, indianexpress.com
