Good oral health helps you enjoy life. It lets you: speak clearly; taste, chew, and swallow delicious and nutritious foods; and show your feelings through facial expressions such as smiling.
If you protect your oral health with good oral hygiene practices (brushing and flossing), the odds are in your favor you can keep your teeth for a lifetime.
To maintain dental hygiene, it is essential to eliminate dental plaque, a thin, colorless bacterial film that forms on teeth. If left untreated, plaque buildup can result in tooth decay and gum disease.Even teeth with fillings can still get cavities. A chipped filling can collect plaque, leading to further decay. Areas where gums have receded from the teeth also expose the tooth roots, leading to decay.
Dental plaque is hard to see. You can see it more easily if you stain it. After you brush your teeth, chew “disclosing tablets” (which you can buy at a drug store), or brush with a special disclosing toothpaste. The color will show you where there is still plaque, and you can then brush those areas again to remove it. (Parents – Disclosing tablets can also be very helpful for teaching children how to do a good job brushing their teeth!)
Why It Matters More Than You Think
It may come as a surprise but oral health is related to your general health. Studies indicate that gum disease is linked with heart problems, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s. The mouth is sometimes referred to as the “gateway to the body,” and this phrase can be taken literally. Infections in the mouth pose a risk of spreading through infection into the bloodstream to other areas of your system.
The Basics of Daily Oral Care
Here’s a straightforward routine that actually works:
Brush at least two times per day with fluoride toothpaste.
Floss daily to clear food residues and plaque build up between teeth.
Use mouthwash if necessary—preferably antibacterial mouthwashes.
Tongue cleaning is important too; it has bacteria just like teeth.
Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or after you get sick.
Also avoid bad habits such as smoking and excessive sugar intake which will damage both your oral and general health.
Don’t Skip The Dentist
No matter how good your personal hygiene practices are, you need professional assessments from time to time. Dentists have the ability to recognize problems early such as cavities or early signs of gum disease so they can address them before they become major (and costly) problems. Strive for check-ups at least twice a year or as advised by your dentist.”
What About Children?
Beginning early is crucial. Children should start brushing their teeth when the first one appears.
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Oral Hygiene: Best Practices & Instructions for Good Routine
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