Your smile is one of the first things you give to people when you meet them. You are and is one of the first things people note besides your physical looks of the part. This is one of the reasons why you should take care of it. Some people do not realize that a healthy smile also means a happy and healthy life. The best way to keep your mouth clean and maintain a great smile is by having good oral health.
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Oral health is a window to your overall health
Generally, if your mouth is healthy, your overall health is good. For example, your mouth is full of bacteria that rarely enters the bloodstream in a healthy immune system. However, if you have gum disease, instead of being eliminated, bleeding will allow harmful bacteria to enter your bloodstream and may cause infections in other parts of your body.
Some of these systemic diseases that affect parts of your entire body include diabetes, oral cancer (and other cancers), and heart disease.
When it comes to oral health, prevention is better than cure, and this means that it is easier and better to maintain good oral hygiene to protect your teeth and gums than to fight to fix them later. Good oral hygiene entails the following;
Flossing daily
Flossing helps to remove debris and plaque from areas that are hard to reach in the mouth. There are different types of floss available, and it can be a problem if you do not know how to use it. If you are new to it, speak to your dentist, and they will recommend good floss for you to use and guide you on how to use them effectively.
Brushing twice daily
When you brush your teeth regularly, you remove bacteria in your mouth and prevent plaque build-up. To achieve effective plaque removal, hold the brush at a 45-degree angle, using a small back and forth or circular motion to reach every surface of your teeth.
Improvements to diet and lifestyle
To keep yourself healthy and in good shape, you need to have a healthy balanced diet. This way, you will end up feeling good on the inside and looking great on the outside. Although we can often get guilty of indulging in treats, carrying on for so long can cause significant harm and damage your teeth and mouth. If you want to keep your smile healthy, you should cut back on the following;
- Red wine, coffee, or anything that can stain your teeth
- Sugary food and drinks that can damage the enamel
- Smoking – decreases circulation and can contribute to gum disease
Regular Oral check-ups
Sometimes, we may not see the problems physically, so it is essential to go for regular check-ups to ensure that everything is all right. On how often you should visit your dentist, there is no simple answer to that. While we recommend that you visit your dentist once every 6 months, it all depends on your teeth and other circumstances.
Dentists not only solve problems, but they can also prevent them. Potential issues they can spot include the onset of gum disease and dental decay. When it comes to your oral health, you must be proactive and see your dentist regularly to catch any issues early before they become a problem.
Why is it important to take control of your oral health?
When you take care of your oral health, you prevent many dental conditions. Generally, it is always better to maintain good oral hygiene than worrying about tooth decay.
Tooth decay is one of the most common dental problems and is most common for those that do not take care of their oral health. Besides tooth decay, other dental problems linked to improper oral health include gum diseases, cavities, and tooth loss.
Dental or tooth decay is caused when there is excess sugar in our diet, and when the sugar reacts to the bacteria in plaque, it forms an acid that dissolves the enamel and dentine of a tooth.
This acid may be neutralized through natural salts in your saliva. However, it can attack your teeth after eating and drinking for up to an hour. If not treated, it can lead to dental problems like cavities and, worse, tooth loss.
The moment you notice any symptom of dental decay, see your dentist as soon as possible. So it can be treated before it turns into something worse.
Keep your smile happy and healthy
The easiest way to prevent cavities, tooth decay, and tooth loss is by taking control of your dental health. You do this by maintaining an effective oral hygiene routine and by visiting your dentist regularly.
Contact us at London Braces for more helpful tips on maintaining good oral hygiene. We are an exceptional dental clinic in London and your reliable choice for dental and orthodontic treatment.
