We have been discussing multiple ways in which to keep ourselves in great health. Now we will be looking at oral health and the importance of keeping our mouths healthy.
Oral hygiene is vital to our overall well-being. Keeping an eye on our teeth could be a preventative measure. In this article, we will look at the reasons why oral hygiene is important as well as share tips on how to maintain healthy teeth.
Oral health affects our overall health
The mouth is the door to our bodies. It serves as a vantage point to detect early symptoms of systemic diseases. Diseases such as diabetes can be detected as they could cause dental problems. Scheduling regular dental appointments can therefore be preventative AND informative.
Prevents tooth loss
Visiting your dentist regularly may help prevent decay and infection which causes tooth loss. A visit to the dentist prevents plaque build-up which could cause cavities.
Lymph node checks
The dentist will not only check your teeth, they check the neck, jaw and lymph nodes for abnormalities. Abnormalities in these could indicate a major health issue and the dentist will alert and refer you to a medical professional.
A whiter and brighter smile
A confident smile goes a long way! Visiting the dentist will help with keeping your teeth bright and shiny which will give you the confidence to smile brightly!
Check on the effect of bad habits
Excessive smoking and drinking affect your teeth. Going to the dentist could be the window of other areas because if your teeth are affected, other parts of the body might also be.
Education on proper dental hygiene
Who knows better than the experts, right? Visiting the dentist often will ensure that you are informed on the best ways to take care of yourself. The dentist will be able to give you advice tailor-made for you.
Peace of mind
Toothache and dental pain can be very uncomfortable. Untreated, these issues can lead to very serious consequences. The dentist will be able to tell you whether the pain is related to the tooth only or whether there are underlying issues. S/he will also be able to give you the treatment plan needed.
Thus, taking good care of your dental hygiene is beneficial to your overall well-being. But how often should you go to the dentist?
When to visit the dentist
It is recommended that you visit the dentist twice a year (at least every six months). However, if you have any of the following symptoms, you need to go to your dentist immediately:
- Toothache or pain in the tooth
- Sensitivity to hot or cold drinks
- Swollen gums
- Bad breath
- Bleeding gums when brushing your teeth
- Loose teeth
How to take care of your dental hygiene
In between visits, good practices for maintaining good dental care are listed below:
- Eat healthy foods and avoid sugar
- Avoid tobacco products
- Rinse your mouth after meals or chew sugarless gum
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day
- When playing contact sports, use a mouth guard
- If you clench your teeth during sleep, use a night guard
- Be gentle when brushing your teeth – do not push down on them too hard
- Floss once a day to take care of any plaque that might build up
- Use fluoride toothpaste that helps strengthen your tooth
- Replace your toothbrush every three to four months
Invest in your smile! Remember, your teeth are not just there to make you look friendly but they can be an early warning sign of underlying health issues.
