Staff Reporter
Have you ever felt self-conscious about your smile? Did you ever stop mid laugh because you forgot to cover your mouth with your hand? Unhealthy teeth and gums affect your confidence and can make it hard for you to enjoy the simple pleasures such as smiling or enjoying your food.
If left without treatment, tooth decay or gum problems can lead to pain, issues with self-confidence, and tooth loss, consequently leading to inability to chew properly, speech and enunciation problems, and can make a person’s social interactions more challenging.
Dental prices can be expensive, which is why good preventative care is important. Good oral hygiene -both at home and in the dentist’s office- can prevent these problems and protect your teeth and gums as you age, the following are some of the best practices that can keep your teeth and gums healthy.
1- Brushing Your Teeth
People often look for several elements when it comes to choosing a toothpaste, such as whitening properties and flavors; however, the most important element of any toothpaste is fluoride. Brushing your teeth with a toothpaste containing fluoride kills bacteria, reduces the risk of developing cavities and decay and provides a protective shield for your teeth. No matter which kind of toothpaste you choose, make sure it contains fluoride.
The most recommended basic way to maintain good oral hygiene is to regularly brush your teeth. How you brush is more important than you might think, position the toothbrush while brushing at a 45-degree angle over your gum line, so that both your teeth’s surface and gum line are in contact with the bristles.
Make sure that you brush your teeth at least twice daily for an average of 2-3 minutes. Use small circular motions, taking care to brush the front, back, and top of every tooth and don’t forget to brush your tongue.
Brush softly using a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damage to the tooth enamel and gums. Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled brush can lead to tooth sensitivity, gum erosion and permanent damage to the protective enamel on the teeth.
2- Floss Daily
Many who brush regularly neglect to floss. Flossing between teeth and down to the gums is important for dislodging food particles that may be stuck between your teeth. Not only does flossing keep your mouth clean, but it can also stimulate the gums, reduce plaque, and help lower inflammation, preventing gum disease so taking a few seconds to gently floss at least once a day.
3- Follow A Healthy Diet
Your diet can have a great effect on your overall health and your oral health is no exception. Teeth require plenty of calcium, it is necessary that you consume healthy foods such as milk, orange juice and other fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins and calcium.
Limit sugary and acidic foods, too much acidic foods and beverages such as teas, coffee and soda can erode the enamel of your teeth, leading to cavities and teeth yellowing.
Another health risk that can be avoided by maintaining healthy habits is gum disease and inflammation, which patients can be unaware of its presence. According to research, inflammation and gum disease can occur due to poor oral hygiene, tartar or other things like smoking and poor eating habits.
Smoking also affects the appearance of the mouth, leading to teeth discoloration and it can give breath a bad odor. Tobacco can also cause oral cancer and other periodontal diseases.
4- Visit a Dental Professional
It needs to be a norm for you and your family to frequently visit a dentist in order to make sure that all is well. Many cities like Ski, Norway, realize the importance of check ups and dental treatment for public dental health, tannlege tjenester i Ski treatment is free for children under 19 years-old. In Norway, local public dental clinics call children in for regular check-ups once they reach the age of three.
Experts recommend that you should see a dental professional once in 6 months for a check-up. During a routine dental examination, a hygienist will clean your teeth and remove plaque and hardened tartar as well as look for any visual signs of oral problems such as cavities and gum disease.
The Bottom Line
Your own everyday habits are crucial to your overall oral health. Still, even the most dedicated brushers and flossers need to visit a dentist regularly for check-ups. Be sure to see your dentist for cleanings and checkups twice a year and remember; your teeth require good nutrition just like the rest of your body.
