Oral hygiene is preventative care. This means that the more you take care of your teeth by brushing them multiple times daily, flossing, eating the right foods, etc., the lower the risk of getting oral diseases.
But did you know your oral health is linked to your overall health? For example, if your teeth have an infection, there’s a slight chance that your bloodstream can carry the bacteria throughout your body, leading to more severe ailments like stroke and heart disease.
Hence, properly caring for your teeth and overall dental health is essential.
How Oral Health Affects Your Entire Body
It’s one thing to have bad oral health, but it’s another if you’ve developed illnesses because of it. By neglecting it, not only will you jeopardize your health, but also your finances. Hence, it’s important to prevent them before they get worse.
Here’s a handful of conditions linked to your overall dental health:
- Endocarditis
- Pneumonia
- Cardiovascular disease
- Stroke
- And even pregnancy complications
On the other hand, some conditions can affect the state of your oral health. These are:
- Osteoporosis
- Diabetes
- HIV/AIDS
- Alzheimer’s Disease
To stop worrying about your dental health, you should go to your dentist immediately, especially if you find any concerning issues. If they detect problems early, fixing any developing damage will be easier.
Fortunately, dental care has been easily accessible in many parts of the world. So, whether you’re in California looking for a dental clinic or waiting for an appointment with leading dentist, Dr. Sourial, in Australia, promptly addressing any dental concerns before they become full-blown health issues is crucial.
But how exactly do you take care of your teeth? What are some of the best practices you can do to keep them healthy? Here are some of them.
Brush Regularly
Most people know that brushing your teeth regularly is the most effective way to keep your teeth and gum healthy. This is because it removes plaque and foreign substances sticking to your teeth and gums.
But simply brushing it isn’t enough. Did you know there’s a correct way of brushing your teeth? If you didn’t, you’re not alone. Too many people don’t know how to brush their teeth properly.
First, when brushing your teeth, you should do it in a circular motion. Second, brush the front, back, and top of every tooth. This process can take between two to three minutes.
One common mistake that a lot of people seem to make is that they do a sawing back-and-forth motion. When done frequently, this can cause damage to your teeth and gums, along with brushing too aggressively and using a hard-bristled toothbrush. Improper brushing can cause damage to the enamel of your teeth and gums, causing sensitivity and permanent damage.
See a Dentist Regularly
Of course, there’s only so much you can do yourself to keep your oral health in shape. Experts recommend always going to your dentist every six months.
During a routine inspection, they will remove hardened tartar and plaque. The dentist will also check for visual signs of cavities, oral cancer, gum diseases, and other oral health issues that might become a bigger problem down the line.
For kids, it’s essential to go to the dentist at least twice a year, but for adults who have good oral hygiene, they can come less frequently. That said, every time you go to the dentist, you should always inquire about the current state of your oral hygiene and if there’s any issue.
You could also ask them how to properly care for your teeth better. Not only that, but you can also discuss how often you should go to the dentist. The frequency usually varies depending on age, family history, and health.
Use Fluoride
Many experts believe that fluoride can greatly assist in preventing cavities from forming, which is why most toothpaste brands you see on the market always have fluoride as a key ingredient. However, despite how it may seem like it’s a standard, some brands out there don’t use fluoride.
Many experts believe that a lack of usage of fluoride in your dental hygiene can lead to conditions like tooth decay, cavities, gum sensitivity, etc. To address this, the US has added some fluoride to the water supply. The amount is enough to positively affect the resident’s teeth but too little to hurt the body.
Floss Once a Day
If you visit your dentist regularly, you might have been told multiple times already to floss your teeth at least once a day. While it may seem like it has no effect, flossing is an important part of proper dental hygiene.
Flossing once a day effectively keeps your oral health in tip-top shape, but how? You see, floss reaches places where a regular toothbrush can’t. A great example of this is the space between your teeth. It’s a tight fit in there, and the bristles of your brush won’t reach it all.
So, how do you floss exactly? Most dental health professionals recommend softly pushing the floss down to the gum line before wrapping it around the tooth and making an up-and-down motion. A common mistake many people make is snapping the thread up and down. Not only is it ineffective, but it can also be painful.
Consider a Mouthwash
Some experts believe that using mouthwash is also essential for a person’s oral health, but unfortunately, not all brands are good for your mouth. If you’re looking for a good mouthwash brand, you might want to find a mouthwash with chlorhexidine, an antibacterial agent. This agent can help you control plaque and gingivitis.
Mouthwashes with essential oil can also be good, although you might want to ask your dentist about them first. However, remember that mouth-washing isn’t an alternative to brushing and flossing your teeth. It’s just a good complement.
Stop Smoking
If you’re a smoker concerned about your oral health, you might want to stop smoking soon. This is because smoking can worsen your oral health. How? Smoking harms the body’s immune system and tissue regeneration, which includes oral tissues. So, of course, it’s safe to assume that smoking poses a risk for gum disease.
Not only that but smoking after a dental procedure will slow down your recovery time. Also, the appearance of your mouth will change. Tobacco can lead to yellow, brown, and even black stains in your gums, teeth, and even your tongue, not to mention that it can also lead to tooth loss.
Limit Sugary Foods and Starches
We all know that consuming sugar can lead to cavities. Unfortunately, sugar can be found in most food items like candy, juices, soda, gumdrops, etc. That said, WHO recommends people to only eat less than 10% of their daily diet of sugar. Furthermore, dropping this down to 5% can significantly lower your chances of getting cavities.
Not just sugar, though, as another common culprit would be starchy foods. This includes crackers, breads, pasta, and chips. These food items can linger in your mouth, promoting cavities in your teeth.
When broken down, these food items can turn into sugar, which causes acid-producing bacteria, which is, of course, the main culprit of why your teeth are forming cavities. Instead of sugary and starchy foods, it’s better to go for natural sweets like fruits, veggies, or other dairy products with no sugar.
Final Words
Taking care of your oral health is one of the most important things you should regularly do, especially if you care about your overall well-being. Luckily, there are many things you can do yourself to take care of them without going to the dentist. However, if you notice anything weird or concerning inside your mouth, you might want to book an appointment at your preferred dental clinic immediately.
