Do you think that brushing three times a day is enough to keep your teeth and mouth healthy?
If so, think again.
From making regular visits to a reputable dental clinic to steering clear of the most unlikely culprits, there are several ways that you can do to ensure good oral health.
Awesome Oral Health
Keeping your mouth clean and healthy requires more than just squeezing a tube of toothpaste and brushing after meals. It takes time, effort, resources, and a commitment to maintain good oral health.
Why the need?
Well, simply because a healthy mouth is essential for your general health and well-being.
According to “Oral Health in America: A Report of the Surgeon General” released in 2000, infections and pain stemming from oral diseases may lead to eating, learning, and speaking problems. Having problems with your oral health can also affect employment potential and social interaction.
It also affects different areas of your life.
Research results show a strong link between the number of teeth people have to their life expectancy, for one. Another good reason to take oral care seriously is that it has been found to reduce the risk of diseases like cancer and dementia. Good oral health care also reduces the likelihood of giving birth to a premature baby and low birth weight.
Wouldn’t these reasons make you want to mind your mouth health more?
Just as you get the best skin care products to keep your skin healthy, go to spas for a dose of wellness and tranquility, or visit a general practitioner for your overall health, it’s also crucial to give oral health your time of day. Here are some top tips to keep your mouth in tip-top shape:
1. Don’t Ditch the Dentist
One of the top commandments for healthy mouth health is to never, ever ditch your dental appointments.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), there is no one-size-fits-all schedule for how regularly you need to visit your dentist. Each person is different, and that includes their oral conditions, overall health, and lifestyle.
It doesn’t matter what age you are, though. You have to work closely with your dentist to check how often you should have your teeth and mouth checked. Kids should see a dentist by age one, while older adults should also make it a point to get their mouth checked.
A dental visit can help spot possible dental problems early on. This can reduce the risk of you getting cavities, periodontal or gum disease, and oral cancer.
2. Watch What You Eat or Drink
Oral disease is also associated with eating or drinking sugary food and beverages.
Empty calorie food offers no nutritional value and poses a risk to your dental health. Some examples are hard or sticky candies, snack food like chips, and sweets like cake, cookies, or muffins. Eating these can lead to tooth decay because the sugar in these foods can adhere to your teeth and encourage your mouth bacteria to feed off them.
The same can also happen when you are fond of lemonade, sweetened coffee, iced tea, juice, and soda. Sipping on these sugary drinks douses your teeth with a constant sugar bath and promotes tooth decay.
You also have to take care when eating acidic or dried fruits. Citrus fruits can have an acidic effect on your tooth enamel, so it’s best to eat them as part of a meal. Dried raisins, prunes, or plums are sticky and produce plaque acids that adhere to your teeth long after you have consumed them.
3. Put Out the Fire
If you’re a smoker, then this would be the perfect time to ditch the habit. Smoking can not only turn your teeth to an unsightly yellow. The nicotine and tar that it contains can damage your gums, too.
When you quit smoking, you can also avoid the risk of tooth loss and prevent tissue damage and degradation of the bone that supports your teeth. Tobacco chemicals also contribute to oral cancer, so getting rid of this vice would be wise.
4. Use the Right Tools
When you want to maintain good oral hygiene, you should also get the right tools. Here are some basic oral care materials:
● Toothbrush
Talk to your dentist about what’s the best kind of toothbrush for you. It may have soft, medium, or hard bristles, depending on your requirements. It may also be a manual or electric toothbrush. Getting the right fit is key to brushing correctly.
● Toothpaste
There are different types of toothpaste that can address different dental needs. Along with your toothbrush and dental floss, it helps by removing food debris and plaque from your teeth and gums.
● Interdental Cleaners
Dentists recommend interdental cleaners like dental picks, string floss, tiny brushes that can go between the teeth, and water flossers to be used daily to help prevent cavities and plaque buildup in between the teeth.
5. Brush Up on Techniques
Here are some tips on how to brush correctly:
- Change your toothbrush every three to four months.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time.
- Be gentle when brushing. Brushing too hard may damage your gums.
- Wait for at least 60 minutes before you brush your teeth after eating or drinking.
Get that Winning Smile
Visit a reliable dental clinic, watch what you eat and drink, and practice proper oral hygiene. Taking the tips mentioned above into consideration can help you maintain good oral health, so you can flash that winning smile.
AUTHOR BIO
Vanessa Batten is a marketing and communications specialist with ten years’ experience in the UAE healthcare industry and is the Senior Communications Officer at Mediclinic Middle East. Operating seven hospitals and 20 outpatient clinics with more than 900 inpatient beds in the UAE, Mediclinic is focused on providing specialist, multi-disciplinary services across the continuum of care and is regarded as the most respected and trusted provider of private healthcare services in the UAE.