While some people do not know it, having a healthy mouth may be one of the more important things for keeping healthy. Without practising good oral health habits, eating, speaking, and so much more can be affected. With proper dental health, serious health conditions like heart problems and diabetes can be improved.
Your mouth, just like other parts of your body, has an abundance of bacteria, which are not very harmful. Still, it serves as the access to your respiratory and digestive system and can result in diseases. When proper oral hygiene is taken for granted, these bacteria build up and result in oral infections like gum disease and tooth decay. According to some studies, oral bacteria can lead to periodontitis, a gum disease that has a role in certain diseases. These health conditions affect the immune system and increase the severity of oral health issues.
Developing good oral health habits is not difficult. It just takes discipline and visiting a dentist in Cheltenham regularly to ensure that you and your family maintain healthy gums and teeth. Here are some useful tips to help you.
Brush your teeth twice a day
Every time you eat, there are leftover food particles that are mixed with your mouth’s bacteria. When that happens, plaque forms and adheres to your teeth and gums, which usually happens. Nevertheless, plaque can damage teeth. The acid resulting from plaque causes tooth decay, which is why it is essential to brush your teeth twice a day and avoid the plaque build-up. Other reasons to brush your teeth twice daily, is to keep you from developing bad breath and to maintain the pearly white colour of your teeth.
Floss your teeth daily
Flossing is another essential factor in oral health. Just like brushing your teeth, dental floss helps prevent plaque build-up that results in tartar. It helps remove leftover food particles that are not noticeable and cannot be reached by a toothbrush. It brightens up the teeth, keeps them healthy, and promotes healthier gums too.
Use mouthwash
Mouthwash is a liquid solution that you should use to rinse your mouth. This oral rinse contains a specific antiseptic that destroys the harmful bacteria found between the teeth and tongue. Mouthwash is normally used to prevent bad breath and reduce the risk of tooth decay. While it does not replace regular brushing and flossing, rinsing with a mouthwash twice a day can help in the prevention of gingivitis and plaque build-up.
Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco
Both smoking and chewing tobacco can cause staining of teeth, which is not only unattractive but causes bad breath too. Smoking can also weaken the teeth and may lead to tooth decay and other dental problems.
Limit sugary food
Sugar is one of the major causes of tooth cavities, especially with younger children. Adults who have a sweet tooth can also have the same problems. Tooth cavities are not only painful but when left unchecked, can destroy the teeth. If you have to eat sweets, it is essential to brush your teeth carefully to make sure that none of the sugary particles are left behind.
Regular dental check-ups for thorough teeth cleaning are necessary to keep your teeth healthy. If there are any signs of cavities, have your dentist resolve the problem right away. Toothaches are very difficult to manage.
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