Tips For Good Oral Health Care
A wise man once said “A smile is the prettiest thing you can wear.” Uh-huh, not if your teeth are in a bad state! A healthy mouth is as important as a healthy body. Every day, we use our mouths to speak, smile, and eat. Poor oral health can affect any of these mundane tasks that we so easily take for granted. Moreover, it can also bring your confidence down and lower your self-esteem. Poor oral health can also be a sign of something wrong else where in your body, and hence, proper oral hygiene is a must.
Good oral health is not hard to achieve, but it does take discipline. Use these tips regularly and be assured that your mouth and teeth last you a lifetime!
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day - Everyday, you should brush your teeth twice, for atleast two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste using a good quality toothbrush. For kids less than 2 years, toothpaste should not be used. Just a gentle toothbrush and water is enough for them.
Flossing and Rinsing - Using dental floss or interdental brushes to clean between your teeth every time you brush is essential for gum health. Using a mouthwash will help to provide extra protection, fight bacteria and freshen your breath.
Changing your toothbrush regularly - One must change the toothbrush every two to three months. You an even change it sooner if the bristles become frayed and worn. Using a worn-out toothbrush may harm your gums and fail to provide adequate cleaning of teeth.
Cutting down on sugary snacks - Reduce the amount of sugary foods and drinks in your diet. We all know we should curb the amount of sugary foods we consume, but we also need to limit the frequency of consumption. They are unhealthy for not only the body, but also for your teeth. After eating these foods, the tooth enamel softens, and is more susceptible to damage. Regular snacking on sugary foods may soften the enamel leaving the teeth at risk of acid erosion and cavities.
Cleaning your Tongue regularly - Use a tongue cleaner or a soft toothbrush to regularly clean the surface of your tongue and remove bacteria that can cause bad breath.
Cleaning your teeth half an hour before breakfast - Consuming foods and drinks with high acidic levels will lead to softening of the enamel on your teeth. Eating straight after brushing, when the enamel is at its softest, can damage it. Over time, a weakened enamel can cause sensitivity, staining and cavities. It is recommended to wait 30 minutes for eating after brushing, to allow the enamel to harden again.
Avoiding tobacco, smoking and alcohol - Smoking, chewing tobacco and consuming alcohol can increase your risk for oral cancer. When you combine it with poor oral hygiene or other risk factors, it dramatically boosts your chances of getting cancer. Moreover, chewing tobacco and smoking can stain your teeth and cause bad breath too.
Healthy Diet - Eat a lot of fruits, cheese, leafy vegetables, and a high-protein diet.
Self-Assessment - Take a look inside your mouth regularly for cavities, sores that don’t heal, or irritated gums. If you find anything abnormal, visit your dentist immediately.
Regular visits to the dentist - You should visit your dentist once every 6 months for regular check-ups and cleaning. Replace missing teeth if any, get all your tooth cavities filled. Never ignore any dental pain because the longer you wait, the worse it is going to get. Poor oral health for long period of time can even result in tooth loss.
Using theseoral care tips will help you take good care of your mouth and teeth. This will ensure that you have a pleasant breath, fewer cavities and most importantly, a nice smile. So go ahead, say cheese!
Comments
Post a Comment