A great smile can brighten up anyone’s day! But to have a great smile, and to feel great both physically and mentally, it is essential to take care of one of the most important regions of the body. After all, smiling with confidence can be quite difficult if you have poor oral hygiene.

Despite being considered the gateway to the body’s overall health, the oral cavity is one of the most neglected regions of the body. Not only does the oral cavity play a vital role in helping us speak and eat, but it can also offer numerous clues to the overall well-being of the body.

Neglect can lead to a number of painful, uncomfortable and even deadly afflictions of the mouth. These include diseases such as tooth caries, gum diseases, diseases of the tooth-bearing structures, tooth loss, oral cancer, ulcerations, and much more. Other than diseases related directly to the mouth, your oral health can also be linked to various other diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, chronic inflammation and arthritis.

How to maintain good oral hygiene?

Practicing good oral hygiene is imperative because it can prevent all kinds of oral diseases and dental problems. Here are a few ways to maintain it:

1.      Brushing teeth twice a day

Good dental hygiene begins with brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. This will help prevent plaque buildup and tooth decay. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your teeth two times a day, in the morning and evening, with a soft-bristled brush. Further instructions by the ADA include brushing your teeth for a minimum of 2 minutes each time from all sides with proper brushing strokes.

Brushing your teeth is not only important for adults but, for babies and toddlers too. It is recommended to start brushing the teeth of babies when their first tooth erupts. The ADA recommends using a smear of fluoride toothpaste for children under three and a pea-sized amount for children aged 3-6. 

2.      Buy a new toothbrush every three months

Your toothbrush is an important tool for maintaining good oral hygiene. As all things experience wear due to continuous use, toothbrushes do so as well. Dentists recommend changing your brush every three months, as the toothbrush does not remain effective for cleaning around the tooth surfaces. The bristles of the brush get worn out and are more prone to fungal and bacterial growth and may even cause gum bleeding.

3.      Flossing everyday

Flossing has its own significance in improving and maintaining good oral hygiene. As toothbrushes cannot reach between your teeth to remove plaque, flossing gets between them to clean away the plaque. It helps to remove plaque and bacteria that feed on sugar and particles of food that remain in your mouth after eating. The bacteria then release an acid that can dissolve your enamel (the hard outer shell of your teeth) and cause cavities. Also, plaque that isn’t cleaned away can eventually lead to serious gum diseases.

4.      Schedule routine dental check-ups

It is recommended by dentists to go for a regular check-up of your teeth and gums every six to eight months to keep them healthy. People who regularly get checkups are less likely to ever deal with a serious dental issue that requires invasive treatment. The dentist will check for plague or cavities, do scaling and polishing of your teeth to remove tartar which cannot be done at home.

Gums are as important as teeth and the dentist makes sure that the gums are firm. They will check for swelling, receding gums and deep gum pockets. If the dentist finds any of these worrying symptoms, they will treat the underlying cause. In addition, dentists look for signs of oral cancer in the mouth. Visiting the dentist on a regular basis will reduce the chances of developing any serious threat of oral cancer.

5.      Have a healthy diet

Eating healthy food provides all the necessary nutrients and fibres for your body to operate in its optimal condition. It is better to avoid sugary food items, such as candies, chocolates and sodas that contribute to tooth decay. It is suggested to reduce the amount of sugar in your food choices and have a nutritious diet that includes: whole grains, fruits & vegetables, lean meat, low-fat or fat-free dairy food and plenty of water.

6.      Avoid alcohol and smoking

Smoking and alcohol can damage your oral health. People who are chain-smokers or drink alcohol excessively are at a higher risk of developing life-threatening illnesses like oral cancer and gum diseases. People who smoke can have multiple oral diseases like periodontal (gum) disease, oral cancer, whitening of the oral mucosa, poor healing after mouth and gum surgery, stained teeth and bad breath.

Conclusion

Taking care of your oral hygiene is a life-long process. Being mindful of daily habits and following a set regime for oral care can help prevent oral health problems and lead to a healthy life. Rest assured that if you follow our tips, you will be doing your oral cavity and yourself a great favor.