There is a global epidemic of poor oral health, and dental protection and health have never been more crucial. Oral diseases are of great concern and shouldn’t be taken lightly because they often lead to other diseases outside the mouth and even death if not adequately treated. Asides the obvious inconvenience of bad breath to the people around you, poor oral health exposes you to diseases that lower your quality of life.
Some of the more common oral diseases include Dental caries (tooth decay), gingivitis, severe periodontal disease, teeth loss (which can become edentulism), cleft lip and palate, and oral cancer. These diseases are caused when plaque and tartar are left in the teeth for too long, and the bacteria starts to eat away your teeth and gums.
Wear a Teeth Guard
If you engage in strenuous activities, or are prone to grinding your teeth while you sleep or work, protect your teeth with a teeth guard. You can talk to your dentist about getting one or get one online at https://www.proteethguard.com/custom-dental-night-guard/. A teeth guard protects your teeth from grinding which creates holes in your teeth.
How to Care for Your Teeth
Protecting your teeth and maintaining optimal dental health starts with proper dental care. This can be done by taking a few extra steps each day.
Brush Regularly Using a Fluoride Toothpaste
Your first step on your way to good oral health is regular teeth brushing. Dentists everywhere recommend cleaning twice daily: After you wake up, and just before bed. Brush your teeth for two minutes using a fluoridated toothpaste for optimal protection. You can set a timer to make sure you keep at it for the recommended time and make sure you cover all the corners of your mouth. Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to properly clean your teeth and half that size for a child over 5 years old. There is such a thing as using too much toothpaste, and this can cause you to consume too much fluoride which can damage your teeth.
Also, to prevent bad breath, lightly brush your tongue to clean out the bacteria and food debris on it.
Floss
Flossing is a dental healthcare trick many people ignore but is almost as important as brushing your teeth. Flossing takes care of the plaque and food debris in between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t get to. It is highly recommended to make flossing part of your daily oral care regime. You can floss after eating if you can’t brush.
Use a Mouth Rinse
Rinse your teeth and gums with an antibacterial or fluoride mouthwash (some mouthwashes are both antibacterial and fluoridated). Rinsing your mouth gets rid of plaque-causing bacteria that live in the mouth and rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash helps prevent tooth decay. This dental care method is convenient because it can be done anywhere; just swish the liquid in your mouth for about one minute and spit it out.
Eat Healthy Foods
Foods containing sugar and starch are bad for your teeth, and the longer they stay in your mouth, the worse the damage. Limit your intake of sugars and starch and always brush or rinse your mouth after you eat such foods.
To maintain a healthy mouth, eat foods high calcium and protein, eat foods high in phosphorous, and include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. Most foods, including fruits and veggies, contain natural sugars so be sure to read the food labels and only buy foods and beverages without added sugars.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Your dental care wouldn’t be complete without regular visits to your local dentist’s office. Schedule regular check-ups to make sure your mouth is healthy and get professional cleanings. You should also visit your dentist if you notice any pain or irregularity in your teeth and gums.
Poor oral health is a growing public health concern. Your dental hygiene is something that affects everyone in your immediate environment, not just you. So, take proper care of your mouth and teach your kids proper dental care from an early age. Speak to your dentist about a dental care regimen you can do every day to keep your mouth healthy.
Category: Health
Tags: dental health
