Today is World Oral Health Day, and we are bringing you some tips to help with your oral health.
Taking care of your teeth, mouth and entire oral health is paramount if you must have a comfortable and healthy life. It is important to note that achieving positive oral health takes a lifetime of care. Even if you’ve been told that you have nice teeth, it’s crucial to take the right steps every day to take care of them and prevent problems. This involves getting the right oral care products, as well as being mindful of your daily habits.
Whether you have crooked teeth or a frighteningly bad odor, the key to good oral hygiene requires education on proper oral hygiene and consistency, and while the tips for improving oral health are quite numerous, we’re narrowing it to these five;
Brush your teeth consistently.
This should go without saying; brush your teeth regularly and twice a day is the bare minimum requirement. Preferably brushing both in the morning after you wake up, because bacteria builds up rapidly when we are asleep, and in the evening after accumulating food, plaque, and germs throughout the day.
Further, you should not only brush your teeth, but also, remember to gently clean other areas of your mouth such as the roof of your mouth, your gums and, very importantly, your tongue.
Ideally, brushing after each meal would help to prevent build up. Don’t go to bed without brushing your teeth. After brushing, floss. Treat flossing as important as brushing, because many who brush regularly neglect to floss.
Watch your tobacco consumption.
At the top of oral hygiene’s most wanted list, tobacco ranks as public enemy number one. Regular tobacco use is known to cause bad breath. The smell emitted from your mouth will be different than a typical person with halitosis, but it’s unattractive nonetheless. Smoking tobacco products can lead to more serious health conditions like oral cancer and gum disease in the long run.
Further, masking smoker’s breath with coffee, tea or sweets does more harm than good. As the added sugar and artificial flavorings accelerate plaque buildup – they compound teeth damage and amplify bad breath.
Control soda and alcohol intake.
Most sodas contain phosphoric acid and citric acid, which are both very bad for oral health. Every time you drink a can of soda, the acids in the drink can soften the enamel of your teeth. This increases the risk of cavities and tooth decay over time.
Alcohol’s negative effect on your teeth and gums is primarily due to the sugar content in a mixed alcoholic beverage. Sugar causes problems for the gums and teeth, whether the sugar comes from candy, bread, soda, or alcohol. However, alcohol itself causes dehydration and dry mouth. Pair that dehydration with the acidic and sugary mixers in a cocktail, and you may develop bad breath.
Furthermore, regular reduction in saliva flow (frequent dehydration) due to consistently drinking alcoholic beverages is the perfect environment for tooth decay and gum disease, and we do not want that now, do we?
Use fluoride toothpaste
When it comes to toothpaste, there are more important elements to look for than whitening power and flavors. No matter which version you choose, make sure it contains fluoride.
While fluoride has come under scrutiny by those worried about how it impacts other areas of health, this substance remains a mainstay in oral health. This is because fluoride is a leading defense against tooth decay. It works by fighting germs that can lead to decay, as well as providing a protective barrier for your teeth.
Drink more water
Water continues to be the best beverage for your overall health — including oral health. We recommend drinking water after every meal, and every chance you get. This can help wash out some of the negative effects of sticky and acidic foods and beverages in between brushes.
Bonus tip; See a dentist at least twice a year
Your own everyday habits are crucial to your overall oral health. Still, even the most dutiful brushers and flossers need to see a dentist regularly.
At minimum, you should see your dentist for cleanings and checkups twice a year. Not only can a dentist remove calculus and look for cavities, but they will also be able to spot potential issues and offer treatment solutions.