Your mouth is the window to the health of your body. Hence, good oral hygiene is necessary to have a healthy body. Oral care is not just about brushing your teeth.
As we all know, poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay and gum problems. Without proper treatment, these can lead to problems of self-confidence, speech problems and other challenges in a person’s work, school or personal life.
Prevent the future bad effects of poor oral hygiene by these practices of keeping the teeth and gums healthy.
Brushing your teeth twice a day
You are aware that brushing your teeth twice a day is one of the most important and basic practices for removing plaque and bacteria and keeping the teeth clean.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends the following proper tips in brushing your teeth:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. Choose a toothbrush with the right fit in your mouth and will allow you to clean even hard to reach areas.
- Make it habit to replace your toothbrush every three or four months or as soon as the bristles are worn. Worn toothbrush does not clean effectively.
- Make sure to use fluoride toothpaste.
- After eating acidic foods like lemon, oranges, grapefruit or soda, do not brush your teeth right away after eating. Wait for at least one hour.
- Maintain the cleanliness of your toothbrush. After use, let dry it an open container in an upright position. Do not store your wet toothbrush in a closed container as bacteria can multiply in a moist environment.
Flossing once a day
Flossing can remove food debris that is trapped between the teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach. Here is the proper flossing technique:
- Use about 18-inch strand of the floss. Wind one ends of the floss in your middle fingers and leave one inch for flossing.
- Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers. Place the floss between your teeth slowly in a rubbing motion. Be careful not to push the floss too hard that will injure your gums.
- When the floss is near your gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Clean any food debris by gliding the floss gently in the space between your teeth.
- Rub each side of your tooth in a gentle up and down motion.
- Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth including the other side of your last tooth.
- Throw away used strands of floss!
Quitting smoking and watching what you eat
You know that smoking is bad to your health, so, it means that it is bad for your teeth as well.
Possible oral health impacts of smoking and all tobacco products are:
- stained teeth and tongue
- dulled sense of taste and smell
- slow healing after a tooth extraction or other surgery
- difficulties in correcting cosmetic dental problems
- gum disease
- oral cancer
For good dental health choose your meals and snacks. Drink plenty of water and include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean sources of protein and low-fat dairy food in your diet. Avoid food sugary foods and starches.
Seeing your dentist regularly
Seeing your dentist regularly is important. Visit your dentist at least once every six months or once you feel pain in your teeth or mouth.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), dental visits can help prevent and monitor your dental health issues. This will help you prevent dental problems that could lead to more serious conditions. Avoid future serious conditions such as cavities, tooth removal, root canals, and even oral cancer through your regular preventive dental check-ups. Remember, prevention is better than cure.
Again, take care of your teeth and it will help you take care of your general health.
These oral health tips are brought to you by Payong ni Juan, the affordable access to telemedicine, dental care services and protection benefits of every Juan.
