As children develop, they learn that oral health is an important part of their overall health. They are taught to brush their teeth twice a day and to visit the dentist regularly for checkups.
Good daily oral care routines yield healthy teeth and gums that last a lifetime. However, poor habits create tooth decay, infections and a host of other dental and overall health problems.
Brush Twice a Day
Whether you’re a dentist or a patient, you’ve heard it before: brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes is non-negotiable. You might be tempted to take a shortcut or skip a brushing when you’re busy, but if you do, you could be putting your oral health at risk.
The mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria, and while most are completely harmless, some types of bacteria wreak havoc on your oral health. These harmful bacteria can wear away at protective tooth enamel, cause gum disease, and lead to other serious health issues if they’re not removed promptly. Brushing your teeth twice a day helps to remove these bacteria and prevent their damage.
If you go longer than 24 hours without brushing, bacteria and food particles begin to build up on your teeth, causing tooth decay and other dental problems. Moreover, the longer you wait to brush again, the more acid your teeth will be exposed to. This prolonged acid exposure leads to tooth erosion, which can weaken your enamel and leave you with cracked or broken teeth.
By brushing regularly, you can help remove sugars and other food particles from your teeth before they can wreak damage. Plus, a regular brushing routine can help you maintain your beautiful smile.
If you’re looking for a way to improve your daily brushing routine, try switching out your toothpaste with one that has baking soda. This can help reduce the acid in your mouth, preventing bacterial erosion. Additionally, you can also use an antimicrobial mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
Floss Daily
If you’re someone who regularly brushes their teeth but struggles to get into the habit of flossing, you’re not alone. The simple act of pulling a strand of floss out of your gums can be hard to do consistently, but it’s one of the best ways to reduce your chance of gum disease and keep those pesky lingering bits of food from getting stuck between your teeth.
The American Dental Association recommends that you floss at least once a day, either in the morning or at night before you go to bed. Some people find it easiest to make it part of their morning routine while others prefer to do it right before they head to bed so that plaque and bacteria doesn’t build up in their mouth over the course of an entire night.
Flossing removes the bacteria that collect in those difficult to reach places in your mouth, such as in between your teeth and along the gumline. This prevents the formation of tartar, which can lead to periodontal disease if left untreated. Gum disease is linked to a number of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.
It’s also important to choose the right type of floss for your needs. There are two main types of dental floss: nylon and PTFE. Both can be effective, but it’s best to talk to your dentist about the different kinds and how they work before making a decision.
Once you’ve found a floss that works for you, stick with it! The more consistent you are with your flossing, the easier it will become to do. Try to make it part of your daily routine and keep your floss in a spot where you can see it (like on your bathroom counter or by your toothbrush).
Like any other habit, the key is to start early. Many parents begin teaching their children how to floss as soon as they have their first tooth, and it’s something that should continue throughout life. Eventually, you’ll learn to love the feeling of digging out a piece of popcorn from between your teeth or removing that last bit of spinach from your lower gum line!
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Regardless of how well you brush and floss your teeth, you need to visit your dentist on a regular basis. This is the foundation of preventive dentistry and allows for a full oral examination, professional cleaning, and treatment of any issues that are caught early. This saves you time, pain and money in the long run.
Your dentist and hygienist are trained to spot small problems that you may not see or feel. Some of these include cavities, crooked teeth, and gum disease (gum disease is a bacterial infection that affects the gum tissues around your teeth and can lead to periodontitis). Visiting your dentist regularly also allows them to spot other health issues like cancer and diabetes.
The main reason to visit your dentist regularly is that they are trained to spot and treat dental problems before they become major concerns. For example, a small cavity that goes unnoticed can turn into a big problem that requires drilling and filling. Untreated gum disease can progress to more severe gum disease, and a broken tooth that goes unnoticed could lead to future broken teeth.
Additionally, your dentist can identify issues that you may not even be aware of like a jaw injury or swollen lymph nodes. They can then recommend that you visit a medical professional who can help with the issue.
A good rule of thumb is to make a dental appointment every six months, although your dentist will assess your risk and recommend an individualized exam and cleaning schedule. Generally, most dental insurance plans cover two exams and professional cleanings per year.
If you are pregnant, your dentist will likely suggest that you schedule more frequent professional cleanings and dental appointments due to hormonal changes in the body that make a woman more susceptible to gingivitis and other oral conditions. Pregnant women with poor oral health are more prone to miscarriage and lower birth rates due to complications arising from pregnancy. A healthy mouth can ensure a happier and healthier you!
Eat a Healthy Diet
In addition to preventing tooth decay and gum disease, good oral hygiene also promotes overall health. Studies show that the bacteria in your mouth can be carried to other parts of your body, contributing to issues like endocarditis (an infection of the inner lining of your heart) and pregnancy complications.
Dental Trauma Guide
The dental trauma guide is a comprehensive online resource for all aspects of Dental trauma management. It includes treatment guidelines for both primary and permanent teeth. It has been developed in cooperation with Copenhagen University Hospital. The dental trauma guide is a must have for every dental practitioner.