The Importance of Oral Hygiene

The Importance of Oral Hygiene

Dental hygiene is closely related to your body’s overall health. Not only are toothaches and pain in the gums uncomfortable, research has linked a correlation between gum disease and heart disease.  Keeping your teeth, gums, and mouth clean and in good health can help the rest of your body remain healthy as well. Here are some simple ways to protect your teeth, keeping them sparkling white:

Visit the Dentist Regularly

Regardless of whether you like the dentist, dislike them, or are indifferent, for the sake of your teeth, dentists recommend visiting them at least twice a year. Those who are not fond of the dentist or feel as if they cannot spare a moment to make an appointment often wait too long between visits. While dentists can fix the problems, the damage to the rest of your body may already be done, thus it is a wise idea to take the time out of your day to make an appointment.

In some cases, people avoid the dentist because they find they do not like how the office is run or how the patients are treated. If this is the case, look for a new flagstaff dentist with great manners and a pleasant office atmosphere.

Start Early

For those who have children, it is important to teach them how to care for their teeth early on in their life. Though they are young, more and more children are showing signs of tooth decay early in their childhood, which can lead to further problems as they age. As soon as a child’s first few teeth appear, those baby teeth should be gently cleaned. As they age, they should follow the basic brushing rules of brushing and flossing at least twice a day.

Dental Sealants

One advancement in dental health that many are unaware of is dental sealants. These sealants can protect children’s teeth to help prevent tooth decay and cavities. Research has shown that adding the dental sealant tremendously helps keep mouths clean and healthy.

Brush and Floss Regularly

While this might seem like a no-brainer, many do not actually follow this rule. Brushing and flossing is not only necessary to cut through bad breath, it also is for the purpose of keeping your teeth free from bacteria and diseases. There are some rules when it comes to brushing and flossing, as doing it the wrong way can actually hinder your mouth’s health:

-Brushing too hard can actually damage your gums, causing them to bleed or disappear. Make sure to use a soft brush and gently brush your teeth.

-Change your brush every few months, as the bacteria on the brush can actually add additional damage to your mouth.

Nutrition

What you eat can have a permanent effect on your teeth, as there are both bad and good foods for your teeth. While dark drinks can change the color of your teeth, foods filled with sugar can damage the enamel on your teeth. Low enamel can lead to tooth decay. Sugary drinks and sticky candy are two of the worst offenders, as they tend to stay on surfaces longer. After eating a sugary meal or snack, brush your teeth as soon as possible.

Also, a well-balanced diet full of essential nutrients lowers a person’s risk of gum disease. Try to eat as many omega-3 fats, whole grains, and fruits and veggies as possible in order to keep your mouth clean and healthy.

Recognize Warning Signs

Sometimes there are serious problems inside your mouth that you do not realize. If your mouth is in pain, your gums are bleeding, or your jaw is sore, among other things, make an appointment with a dentist. These could be warning signs alerting you to a number of possible problems, including oral cancer, tooth grinding, or gum disease. If these problems are caught early enough, most of the damage can be reversed and treated before the problems worsen. However, if you wait too long, the problems may have already spread, leaving you with the lasting effects.

Taking care of your teeth and keeping them clean not only allows for a healthy smile, but it also allows for a healthy life. These easy tips can help you easily manage your oral hygiene,

Image Source: https://pixabay.com/en/toothbrush-toothpaste-dental-care-571741/

1 thought on “The Importance of Oral Hygiene”

  1. I am one that has been trying to break my brushing too hard habit, take it from my experience – you don’t want to do it. Oral hygiene is of extreme importance, thank you for sharing these tips!

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