Proper oral health is not only important for your mouth. Oral conditions and diseases can affect the way you eat, talk, and the health of other areas in your body. What do you need to do to improve your oral health? Here we will give you 12 tips for improving the oral hygiene of you and your family.
oral hygiene explained
Good oral hygiene is taking care of your teeth and gums to prevent conditions and diseases not only in your mouth, but throughout your body. There is more to a good oral hygiene routine than just brushing your teeth twice a day.
For starters, we also suggest cleaning between your teeth using floss or interdental brushes and rinsing with a dental mouthwash once a day.
Other good oral hygiene habits include eating a healthy diet and visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups.
issues and diseases as a result of bad oral hygiene
A mild form of gum disease, called gingivitis, is one of the most common health issues found in the mouth. Gingivitis is caused by plaque on the teeth that aren’t removed from brushing. This can cause the area under the gums to become infected. The plaque left on your teeth can create toxins that cause your gums to become red, swollen, and often times, painful. They may also bleed when you brush or floss. At this point, your dentist should be able to treat and cure your gingivitis.
If gingivitis isn’t taken care of, it can advance into a more serious gum condition called periodontal disease. This stage of gum disease can cause your teeth to become loose and potentially fall out.
Periodontal disease may also cause weakness and bone loss in the jaw bone under your damaged teeth. Plaque that isn’t regularly removed can also cause tooth decay in the teeth or cavities.
other diseases
Several studies have suggested that major diseases including Alzheimer’s, pancreatic cancer, and heart disease may be linked to gum disease. Scientists in the studies found a strong connection between inflamed gums and a possible higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers also found having periodontitis posed an increased risk of getting pancreatic cancer.
Other diseases in the body found to be associated with poor oral hygiene include diabetes, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and infertility.
Bad oral hygiene habits may also be connected to oral cancers. These are cancers of the lips, mouth, and tongue. Oral cancers are also found in the back of the mouth. This type of cancer includes the back of the tongue, back of the roof of the mouth, tonsils, and wall of the upper throat.
12 oral hygiene tips
These are Hutt Dental Hub’s recommended habits to include in your daily routine to prevent diseases associated with poor oral hygiene and gum disease-
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste.
- Use a soft toothbrush.
- Replace your toothbrush approximately every three months.
- Avoid substances that are harmful to your teeth such as tobacco.
- Don’t forget to brush your tongue, or use a tongue scraper.
- Floss between all your teeth at least once a day.
- Rinse with a dental mouthwash at least once a day.
- Eat healthy foods including fresh fruits, vegetables, whole-grains, and dairy.
- Avoid sugary snacks and drinks.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Protect your mouth while playing sports.
- Visit your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and dental cleanings.
visit your dentist
Apart from taking care of your teeth as good as you can yourself, it is strongly recommended to visit your hygienist to receive a deep dental cleaning and if necessary receive personal advise about the maintenance of your teeth. Call for an appointment or come in and meet the friendly team at Hutt Dental Hub in Central Lower Hutt.
