How to Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Taking good care of your oral health not only gives your self-esteem a boost but also keeps you away from many diseases. Not taking care of your oral hygiene may lead not only to cavities but other severe health problems like diabetes, dementia, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory infections, complications during pregnancy etc.

Why is oral hygiene so important?

The way the human body is made, one part of the body is interconnected to many other parts that means if one part of the body is affected, it can be a problem to different parts of the body. For example, poor oral hygiene can lead to different problems in different parts of our body. Therefore, to prevent these issues, oral health is very important.

How can you keep your gum and teeth at good health?

To prevent these health problems, good oral hygiene and maintaining a healthy mouth is very important. An excellent mouth needs more than just a toothpaste squeeze and a toothbrush.

Source: Ask the Dentist

Here are some steps on how to achieve and maintain good oral hygiene:

1. Brush 2 times a day

Brushing your teeth twice a day is as important as it is to eat. This has many benefits such as preventing bad breath and maintains fresh breath, removes teeth stains making it appear clean and white and it prevents gum diseases and plaque build-up. It also reduces chances of getting a heart attack or stroke as the bacteria in your mouth can travel down into your bloodstream increasing cholesterol build-up in the arteries which could result in heart problems.

2. FLOSSING

Flossing is very important as you cannot reach between the tight spaces of your teeth using a toothbrush. While flossing, be gentle since being harsh can cause friction and damage the gum line.

3. RINSING

Rinsing your mouth with mouthwash after food is very important. It not only gives you fresh breath and kills the bacteria in your mouth but also washes all the food particles away that could be stuck up in your teeth. You should always consult the dentist about which kind of mouthwash you should use and how often.

4. LESS SUGAR

Excessive sugar is one of the main reasons for tooth decay. It powers the acidity and bacteria of our mouth which increases the risk of tooth decay and cavities. Also, the citric acid and phosphoric acid found in most sodas make your tooth enamel soft and more open to cavities.

5. QUIT SMOKING

Smoking is harmful not only for your overall health but also for your oral health as tobacco leads to gum diseases. It not only makes your teeth appear more yellowish but also eats away your gums. It provides the perfect environment for bacteria in your teeth increasing the risk of tooth decay or tooth loss.

6. REGULAR CHECK-UP

A regular dental check-up is very important at least every 6 months. Dentist not only fix your teeth, they professionally clean your teeth, ensure your teeth and gums are healthy and check for abnormalities that may go unnoticed and could be a sign of larger health issues. So try not to skip your dental appointments thinking about the expenses or due to dental anxiety.

So here’s wishing you a great life with oral health!

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By: Juweria Ismail