Taking care of your teeth is one of the most essential things you can do for your body. Unfortunately, millions of people wait until there’s a problem before thinking about oral health care.
It’s a common misconception that taking care of your teeth only relates to having a nice smile. But did you know that your dental health has an impact on your overall health? From cardiovascular disease to diabetes, problems in the mouth don’t stay in the mouth.
The great news is that taking care of your teeth is really simple with the right advice. Plus, most dental problems are completely avoidable by using a few simple steps.
In this article, we will be discussing;
- Why Taking Care Of Teeth Is More Important Than You Think
- How Oral Health Is Connected To General Health
- Daily Dental Care Steps That Will Keep Your Teeth Healthy
- When To See A Dentist
- Common Habits That Can Hinder Oral Health
Why Taking Care Of Teeth Is More Important Than You Think
Here’s a fun fact that you probably didn’t know…
The World Health Organization has stated that 3.5 billion people globally suffer from an oral condition. The statistics show that almost half of the world is suffering from a preventable dental issue.
And you might be shocked to learn that the majority of these dental problems could have been prevented with a personal oral care routine and using dental care services. Getting personalised dental treatment in Miranda or your local town is the basis of a great oral health regimen. By getting regular dental check-ups, you’ll be able to notice problems early before they become a more serious, more expensive, and very painful problem.
Here’s an example to think about…
Imagine if you drove your car for years without ever taking it in for servicing. Doesn’t sound too appealing, does it? Your teeth need the same care and attention. By visiting the dentist regularly, you can avoid serious problems in the future.
How Oral Health Is Connected To General Health
Here’s something else to consider.
Did you know that your mouth is directly linked to the rest of your body? It’s a connection that many dentists and scientists are just now starting to discover. Poor oral health can lead to far more than just cavities and stained teeth. In fact, it can have an impact on your heart, your brain, and even your overall lifespan.
Scientists at Harvard Health discovered that individuals with gum disease were two to three times more likely to suffer from a heart attack or stroke. These are major illnesses, and they are an increase in risk that most people would do well to avoid.
The connection works in the following way…
Germs from inflamed gums make their way into your bloodstream and then travel to other parts of the body. Once there, they increase inflammation. The excess inflammation has been linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications, and even dementia.
Serious stuff, right?
The point is that taking care of your teeth really is an important factor for your overall health.
Daily Dental Care Steps That Will Keep Your Teeth Healthy
Healthy oral hygiene starts at home. In fact, before you even step into a dental clinic, there are actions you should be taking on a daily basis.
Brushing is the cornerstone of all healthy oral habits. The problem is, most people brush their teeth, but they don’t brush them in the right way. You need to brush your teeth for a full two minutes, twice a day. You need to be using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
There is one thing that people tend to miss out though…
If you have just eaten acidic food, you shouldn’t brush your teeth directly afterwards. Acids temporarily soften the enamel. So, by brushing straight away, you’re actually damaging your teeth rather than protecting them. Try and wait at least half an hour before brushing.
Flossing each day is also a necessity. The thing about toothbrushes is that there are large amounts of your teeth that they just don’t reach. If you don’t floss each day, then you’re only cleaning 60% of your tooth’s surfaces. Floss gets into all those nooks and crannies that bacteria love to gather and multiply.
Cutting down on foods and drinks that are high in sugar is also a good idea. Sugar really is the enemy of healthy teeth. But it’s not just sugary snacks and foods that you need to watch out for. Drinks that are high in acids (like fizzy drinks and fruit juices) can erode enamel over time.
You can try and do the following;
- Make sure you drink water throughout the day
- Try not to snack between meals
- Chew sugar-free gum after eating
- Avoid hard foods that can potentially damage teeth
When To See A Dentist
If you want to maintain healthy teeth throughout your life, regular visits to the dentist are a must.
The vast majority of dental professionals recommend that patients come in for a check-up every six months. Although, there are a number of patients who need to attend more frequently, and this is down to their previous dental health history.
Here’s a list of warning signs to book a dentist appointment at the first sign;
- Persistent toothaches
- Bleeding gums when brushing and/or flossing
- Loose teeth (in adults)
- Persistent bad breath
- Mouth sores or lumps
Don’t leave it until you’re in pain to visit the dentist. In many cases, when patients suffer from severe dental problems, they can go unnoticed until the symptoms get very serious. By then, treatment is more complicated and more expensive.
Regular check-ups and professional cleanings will remove tartar that even the most efficient brushing at home won’t shift. Your dentist will also be able to detect the early signs of gum disease, cavities, and even oral cancer.
Common Habits That Can Hinder Oral Health
There are some people who would consider themselves to be very good at taking care of their teeth. However, even these individuals can make some very big mistakes when it comes to oral health.
Using your teeth as a tool is something that you should avoid at all costs. Opening up bags, biting nails, chewing ice – they all put incredible amounts of pressure on your teeth. All it takes is one wrong bite to end up with a cracked tooth. Your teeth are designed for the purpose of eating food, and not much else.
Brushing too vigorously is another mistake. Putting more pressure on your brush does not mean that your teeth will be any cleaner. Over time, if you’re brushing too hard, you will damage your gums and wear down the enamel. The brush is doing the work – use a gentle circular motion and not too much elbow grease.
Grinding your teeth, also known as bruxism, is something that many people do without realising. It can wear down teeth and cause jaw pain. You can also be hit with headaches in the morning as a sign of grinding your teeth in your sleep. If you wake up with a sore jaw in the morning, have a chat to your dentist about a mouthguard to prevent further damage.
Neglecting to see your dentist, in the first place, is the biggest mistake of them all. Going to see a dentist regularly is the best way to ensure that minor problems never become major problems. Prevention will always be a lot cheaper than the treatment of the problems.
Pulling It All Together
Taking care of your teeth and overall oral health is not difficult at all. But it does require consistency and some simple habits.
The basics of looking after your teeth are;
- Brush twice a day for two minutes
- Floss each and every day
- Cut down on sugary foods and drinks
- Regularly visit the dentist
- Never ignore warning signs
Your teeth have to last you a lifetime, and the earlier you can start to take care of them, the less pain, money, and problems you will have in the future. The impact of oral health on the rest of your wellbeing is too important to ignore.
Take the first step today, whether it’s including flossing in your daily routine, or booking a dental check-up that you have been putting off. Your future self will thank you for it.
