The Importance of Oral Health and Care
Oral health is more important than some people may even realize. The health of your mouth, teeth and gums can affect your general health. Daily brushing and flossing can help keep the bacteria in your mouth under control.
If you don’t have proper oral hygiene, the bacteria in your mouth can grow to levels that can lead to oral infections. Those infections can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Taking care of your teeth and gums is a commitment for life. Good habits such as brushing, flossing and healthy eating will prevent future dental procedure and health issues.
Many experts in dental hygiene believe that to control the bacteria in your mouth, it is recommended to brush at least two times a day. Brushing will also help remove the cause of any bad breath. It will also remove any food that may be stuck to your teeth or in between your teeth. Any food that isn’t removed can rot and cause many problems in your mouth.
Flossing should be done at least once a day to help prevent cavities and gum disease. Flossing removes plaque. Plaque is a sticky film on the the teeth that contains bacteria and is will form tooth decay. Plaque needs to be removed from your teeth with flossing or at the dentist if it has built up.
Your toothbrush needs to be replaced every three to four months. Another reason you should change your toothbrush every three months is that over time, your toothbrush bristles will become worn out. Worn out bristles tend to be more abrasive on your gums, which can lead to premature gum recession and inflammation in your gums.
You can also invest in a good electric toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes clean teeth and gums much better than a manual toothbrush. Scientists found that people who use an electric toothbrush have healthier gums, less tooth decay and also keep their teeth for longer, compared with those who use a manual toothbrush.
Cavities are tooth decay. They are permanent damage on the surface of your teeth. That damage will develop into little holes on your teeth. Most believe that sugar causes cavities. Actually, germs in our mouth produce acid which attacks tooth enamel, making teeth susceptible to cavities. Although sugar is not innocent, it is the food that germs feed on.
Eating a healthy diet and limiting food with sugar is another way that you can help your oral health. In addition, you should schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings at least once a year. Regular dental visits are important because they help to keep your teeth and gums healthy. During the dental check up, your dentist will check your overall oral health for any trouble areas. During the cleaning, your dental professional will remove any plaque and tartar buildup and may polish your teeth. This will help keep your mouth and teeth healthy.
For a healthy mouth and smile you should avoid tobacco use as well. Whiten your teeth for an even extra healthy look. Teeth whitening can help target the tooth discoloration caused by smoking and help you have a whiter, healthier smile. Teeth whitening can boost your smile and give your self-confidence a bit of a boost as well.
Lastly, invisible braces will get your teeth straight without those ugly metal ones that are so painful. The term “invisible braces” can mean a few things. They are basically, braces with minimal appearance. Unlike traditional braces, which use wires and brackets glued onto the front of each tooth, invisible braces are more hidden in the mouth. Invisible braces can also be removed to eat and clean your teeth allowing you to keep up on your oral health.
