Your oral health greatly contributes to your overall health. If you have poor oral hygiene, you may be at risk for diabetes and cancer. Maintaining your oral health is crucial to living a happy and healthy life. Regularly practicing oral health care habits such as daily brushing and flossing not only decreases the likelihood of you suffering from long-term health issues, but also ensures that your teeth and gums remain in great condition.
Symptoms of Poor Oral Health
- Bad breath
- Continuous sensitivity to hot or cold foods
- Receding gums
- Swelling & tenderness in gums
- Cracked or broken teeth
Tips on Maintaining a Healthy Mouth
Brush Twice a Day
The recommended time to brush your teeth in the morning and at night. You will want to make sure that your toothbrush has soft bristles, and fits your mouth. You should use gentle, circular motions to brush your teeth. Aggressive brushing is not encouraged as it can actually damage your teeth and gums. Dentists recommend that you replace your toothbrush or electric brush head every three months to prevent the development of bacteria.
Floss Once A Day
Flossing your teeth once a day cleans between your gums, getting all the junk your toothbrush can’t reach. It is a preventative measure against tooth decay and also reduces your chances of developing gingivitis.
How To Floss
- Get 18mm inches of floss and wind it on each index finger, with at least one inch of floss to work with
- Curve the floss between each tooth
- Repeat for each tooth and remember to be gentle
Mouthwash
You should use mouth after each time your brush, as it will get rid of any leftover food particles you may have left behind.
Don’t Smoke
Not only does smoke discolour your teeth but the nicotine and tar in cigarettes destroy your gums and teeth. Your mouth becomes a breeding place for bacteria and infections. This makes you more vulnerable to gum disease and oral cancer, which can impact your lips, gums, teeth and tongue.
Limit Your Sugar Intake
You should limit your sugar intake as sugar sticks to your teeth, which combines with saliva and bacteria in your mouth, which results in plaque on your teeth. When not removed, plaque can dissolve your enamel which leads to cavities.
Visiting Your Dentist
If you experience constant and continuous tooth pain, go see your dentist, as waiting would worsen the pain. You should be regularly visiting your dentist twice a year to get your teeth cleaned.For all of your dental needs, come see us at South Georgetown Dental. We offer comprehensive oral care for all of our patients and work to educate everyone on the benefits of good oral health care.
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