Anytime we smile or laugh out loud, our teeth is what people see. Even when talking with our friends and family, our teeth shows. Therefore it is very important for the teeth to be healthy and clean. It is important for the mouth to also be clean and hygienic always. As the gateway to the body, if the mouth is unhygienic or diseased, it could invariably make the body sick.
Dental care includes all the necessary steps taken to ensure one maintains a healthy lifestyle of caring for the teeth and gums.
We need our teeth to chew food and also to speak clearly. The teeth also affect the general appearance of our face and smile. Caring for your teeth is critical to preventing tooth decay and gum diseases.
Below are outlined ways to take care of your teeth
- Brush Your Teeth
Brushing is the most effective way to remove plaque and food debris from our teeth. To get the most of brushing, do the following:
- Brush at least twice a day. Make sure you brush every surface of each tooth. To do this properly can take longer than you think. Most dentists would recommend around two minutes. The importance of this is to remove the sticky film on your teeth. This sticky film is the major cause of tooth decay.
- Use fluoride toothpaste to prevent against decay. Fluoride toothpaste strengthens the teeth and makes it more resistant to decay.
- Use a toothbrush with a small head and synthetic bristles
- Start at one side of your mouth and move round to the other side, brushing all tooth surfaces thoroughly.
- Pay particular attention to the gumline, angling the bristles into the crevices where the gums meet the teeth.
- Replace your toothbrush every three to four months
Some people prefer an electric toothbrush. There is some evidence that certain types of electric toothbrush are more efficient at removing plaque than brushing by hand. However, the thoroughness of the cleaning is much more important than what type of brush you use. You must clean every surface of every tooth and a small toothbrush, whether electric or not, will help.
2. Clean Between Your Teeth
Dental floss or inter-dental brushes remove plaque and particles of food from between the teeth and under the gum line. This is vital because once plaque turns into tartar. it can only be removed by professional cleaning.
3. Consider The Use Of Mouthwash
Fluoride mouthwashes can help to prevent tooth decay. Some antiseptic mouthwashes reduce the number of plaque bacteria and help prevent gum disease.
4. Chew Gum
Chewing sugar-free gum after a meal stimulates the production of saliva, which helps to neutralise plaque acid.
5. Control Sugar In The Diet
Sugary foods and drinks encourage tooth decay. But it’s how often these sugars are eaten-rather than the important amount. Avoiding sugars between meals gives your saliva. To avoid damaging your teeth, limit the number of snacks, choose nutrients foods such as cheese, raw vegetables, plain yogurt or fruit. Dont eat acidic food or drinks such as fizzy drinks or citrus fruit juice between meals, as these also encourage tooth decay and erosion.
6. Visit The Dentist And Hygienist Regularly
Dentists and hygienist play an important role in preventing problems such as tooth decay, gum disease and erosion. At check-ups, they will be able to detect any problems early and provide advice and treatment.
Your dentist will give you advice about how often you should have a check-up. For adults, this can vary from six months upwards. For people with very healthy mouths, doctors may advise them to return every two years
Practising good oral health is the key to keeping a bright healthy smile throughout adulthood.
Dangers Of Poor Dental Care
Just as keeping good dentition has a lot of benefits like good breath, beautiful smiles and confidence to smile, good facial appearance and other benefits, poor dentition has its own dangers and problems with can sometimes be life threatening and really dangerous.
Below are some dangers of poor dental care:
- Bone loss: If a dental problem is not attended to immediately, they get worse and affect the bone in the mouth.
- Gum diseases
- Blood cloths
- High Blood Pressure
- Cardiovascular diseases: When germs and bacteria are present in your mouth due to poor dental hygiene, they may migrate into your blood system and attack organs like the heart.
- Cancer
Foods To Avoid For Good Dental Health
There are some foods and drimks that has some tendency of destroying the teeth, if not taken in moderation or proper care is not taken when you eat them.
Below are some of such foods and drinks:
- Soft Drinks
Most soft drinks contain acids, which can cause cavities in the teeth and allow germs to enter and cause problems
- Wine
Most wines like red wine, contains a substance called tannins which can dry the mouth and stain the teeth
- Sport Beverages
- Sugar
- Sweets and Candy
Practising good oral health is the key to keeping a bright healthy smile throughout adulthood.