Teeth are very important to our health and appearance. With them, chewing and digestion becomes easier. We also require teeth to talk clearly, and they make a big difference in face shape.
A smile brings joy to the other people whom we greet. And having a beautiful array of teeth boosts our confidence and influences our careers, relationships, and social lives.
It’s critical to take the right steps in dental hygiene to prevent toothache, cavities, and inflammation in the mouth. Quality dental care involves:
- Quality oral care products.
- Routine cleaning.
- Right kinds of foods.
What is a dental hygiene program?
Oral hygiene is the routine practice of keeping one’s mouth, teeth, and gums clean and disease-free. Regular brushing, flossing, and scheduled dental check-ups by dental hygienists are key to oral health.
Preventive dentistry can save you a lot of trouble and money. The conscious steps you take for dental health can protect your teeth and gums and prevent tooth decay and infections in the mouth.
Signs of poor oral hygiene include:
- Bleeding gums.
- Bad breath.
- Loose teeth.
- Tooth decay.
- Gum recession.
- Mouth sores.
- Toothache.
- Swelling of the jaw.
- Gingivostomatitis.
Several health conditions have close links to certain oral diseases. The occurrence of gingivitis and periodontitis can lead to health conditions like:
- Cardiovascular disease.
- Stroke.
- Pneumonia.
- Pregnancy complications.
- Endocarditis.
Some tooth and gum issues are the result of certain health conditions, such as:
- HIV/AIDS.
- Diabetes.
- Alzheimer’s disease.
- Osteoporosis.
11 Ways to take care of your teeth
When life gets busy, people fail to focus more on caring for their teeth and gums. Most problems people face with teeth and gums result from personal negligence in dental care. Developing a routine for daily dental care is essential to oral health.
Here are 11 steps to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
1. Brush properly
Take time and brush your teeth properly. When brushing, move the brush gently and circularly to remove plaque and food particles.
Unremoved plaque becomes stubborn and develops into gingivitis and calculus build-up.
Food particles stuck between the teeth feed the bacteria in our mouths. Bacteria produce acid from digestion. The acid from bacteria in the mouth erodes the enamel and causes tooth decay.
2. Brush your teeth at night
Brushing teeth after every meal is advisable for the best oral health, but brushing teeth twice daily is compulsory. The most important one is brushing our teeth after the last meal at night. It helps remove all the food particles, plaque, and germs accumulated throughout the day.
3. Floss your teeth
Dental flossing is as important as brushing your teeth. It removes food particles from a hidden place between the gums and teeth where the bristles of the brush cannot reach.
Flossing the teeth also stimulates the gums, removes plaque, and reduces the chances of oral health problems.
Please don’t give up flossing, though it may be time-consuming or difficult for arthritis patients.
4. Clean your tongue
While brushing your teeth, clean your tongue by gently brushing its surface. It helps remove plaque build-up on your tongue and reduces bad breath.
5. Use a fluoride toothpaste
Many people choose toothpaste for reasons like tooth-brightening, flavor, form, cost, or a trusted brand. Make sure that the toothpaste you use contains fluoride.
Fluoride acts as a protection against tooth decay. It fights germs that cause tooth decay and may also prevent plaque. Permitted levels of fluoride in toothpaste do not have side effects.
6. Use mouthwash
Mouthwash helps to reduce the acid in your mouth. It removes germs from the hidden areas around the gums, which are difficult to brush. Also, using good mouthwash helps to remineralize your teeth. Mouthwash remedies the problems of poor brushing and flossing.
Certain mouthwashes can be sensitive to children and older people. You may use a product recommended by your dentist.
7. Drink more water
Water is the most important drink for overall health, including bones and teeth. Make sure to drink water after every meal. After eating, thoroughly swish your mouth with water. Water removes most acidic foods and beverages from your mouth in between brushes.
8. Be careful of acidic and sugary foods
The main culprit for tooth decay is acid.
Also, all types of sweets are bad for teeth. Sugar converts into acid in the mouth, gradually eroding teeth’s enamel.
Acids from citrus fruits, coffee, tea, and citrus-flavored soft drinks also come into contact with your mouth and teeth. It’s not about avoiding acidic diets but cleaning your teeth and mouth after eating acidic foods and drinks is necessary for better oral health.
9. Eat more vegetables and fruits
Generally, processed foods are rich in sugar and calories. They harm your health, including your teeth. If you have weak teeth, you must avoid hard-to-eat and chew foods. Fresh vegetables, fruits, and foods rich in minerals and protein are healthy for your teeth and bones.
10. Visit your dentist twice a year
“A stitch in time saves nine,” says the adage. To maintain optimal oral health, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends regular dental visits to a dentist with a degree in dental hygiene.
The teeth and gums can still develop problems despite your best oral hygiene practices. Visiting your dentist at least twice a year for a check-up and teeth cleaning may help prevent cavities and gum diseases.
Diagnosing cavities, enamel erosion, or gum diseases in the early stages is crucial to oral health. Spotting potential issues early help protect you from tooth cavities, tooth pain, and tooth removal due to decay.
11. Replace your toothbrush every three months
The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) advise you to replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. Always replace the toothbrush when it has noticeably worn out. When the bristles have lost the necessary stiffness, it’s time to get a new brush. Use a soft or medium-hard-bristled toothbrush.
Preventive dental care for oral health
Preventive dental care can help you avoid problems with your teeth and gums that could affect your chewing or speech. Keeping your mouth healthy will make you less likely to experience pain or have a severe dental emergency.
The upkeep of your oral health can keep your dental visits and expenses to a minimum.
For additional help keeping your smile healthy, please find a local dentist in Plainview, NY, and visit him twice yearly for dental exams and cleanings.
Maintaining healthy white teeth is known as preventative dental care. This entails care, knowledge, and keeping the gums and teeth healthy. A dental hygienist may help you develop a daily oral hygiene care routine.
Regular dental visits, brushing, and other preventative dental care can help avoid cavities, enamel erosion, and gum disease.
Here are the top benefits of the best practices of preventive dental care:
- Helps maintain healthy teeth and gums.
- It helps prevent cavities and plaque.
- Ensures proper dental hygiene, which prevents several bacterial diseases.
- Reduce or prevent serious health issues like diabetes, osteoporosis, cancer, and respiratory diseases.
- Prevents bad breath caused by plaque, infection, or tooth decay.
- It helps diagnose and prevent jaw problems such as bruxism (teeth grinding) or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
- Regular biannual checkups reduce the need for dental treatments.
- Save time and money on dental fillings and tooth implants.
- Improves your smile and appearance
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