We are told that brushing twice a day is essential for oral health. But ever wondered how we go about 12 hours without paying any heed to our dental hygiene, despite having some of our heaviest meals during the day. Most dental experts say that to maintain good oral hygiene, it is important to also take care of your pearly whites during the day. The shred of spinach from your last meal stuck in your teeth or the infamous onion breath can be a big put off for others around you. So here are some tips that you should follow through the day to maintain your dental hygiene.
Rinse after every meal – If brushing your teeth during office hours is not possible, thoroughly rinse your mouth after every meal. You can do it with simple water or a mouthwash.

Use a mouth freshener – If you have heavy meals during the day, it is best to use a mouth freshener

Avoid sugar laden treats – Having sugary snacks alone can disturb your dental hygiene. It is best to avoid it or have it with your meals.

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Have veggies as mid snack meals – Instead of opting for packaged foods to curb your untimely cravings, munch on vegetable sticks and fruits. The fiber in them will act as natural cleansers for your teeth.

End your meal with cheese – Ending a meal with cheese increases the saliva flow and reduces the risk of cavities by cleansing the sugar in your mouth
Chewing gums – Sugarless gums are a great way to clean your teeth, if you can’t brush or floss. It also increases the salivary flow like cheese

A recent national study by KANTAR IMRB for Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited revealed that at least 8 out of 10 children in India suffer from oral health issues, underscoring the need for immediate action. Some of the major oral health problems found in children surveyed included visible plaque accumulation, white spots on teeth, visible caries, gum inflammation, bad breath and gum bleeding. The survey revealed that as many as 2 out of 3 children have cavities or are at a high risk of developing them. The study also highlighted that around 9 out of 10 adults surveyed suffer from a major oral health problem.

When is the right time to take a baby to a dentist? Well, this surely is a complex question. For most of the parents, it is after the baby gets his/her full set of teeth, while for some it is not until they have some dental problem. But the right age is earlier than you might think.

 As per the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, you should take your baby for the first round of check-up when their first tooth appears. That normally happens when the baby is between six months and one year. It is considered as the best age to start taking care of oral health, in order to avoid complications later.