How To Keep Great Oral Health
As adults, we can find ourselves lecturing our kids about brushing and flossing, wearing their retainers and refraining from biting open containers or removing tags with our teeth; my mum still nags my sister and I about these things. Most of us are hypocrites though because we would rather be covered in baby poo than admit the last time we went to the dentist to the kids.
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I don’t need to tell you that teeth are important. Without them, or at least some of them, it would be very difficult to eat and you would probably hear the term ‘hillbilly’ thrown around more often than usual. Mouth health plays a huge role in overall health and is often overlooked, but are we taking the precautions to protect our teeth well and ensure good oral health?
These are all the things we should be doing to look after our teeth, but whether we actually do them or not is another question. Take a look at the list below and start adding these into your routine.
Brushing
Brushing your teeth helps to remove plaque and bacteria from your mouth that can cause decay. It also helps remove bacteria that causes bad breath, so you won’t have to worry when you lean in for a kiss. Your brushing movements should be circular and touch every tooth, including those at the far back, which are quite susceptible to cavities if not taken care of properly. If anything, brush your teeth to get rid of that furry feeling that covers your teeth. You should be brushing your teeth twice a day and you should replace your toothbrush every three to four months – changing with the seasons makes it easy to remember.
Flossing
Colgate and Oral B advertisers love to tell us that brushing isn’t enough, and they’re not lying. Plaque gets stuck inbetween our teeth and around our gumline which can cause cavities and gingivitis. Gingivitis can mean bad breath, bleeding gums and gum inflammation, but flossing regularly will help your mouth health. If gingivitis is left, it can turn into periodontitis, which is gum disease.
Eating And Drinking Well
Not just a good idea for your figure, staying away from sugary snacks is also better for your teeth. Fizzy drinks are also one to avoid if you want to keep your teeth looking and feeling great. Staying away from sugars and starches that stick to your teeth is a great way to keep teeth healthy.
Quitting Smoking
Quitting or not smoking will keep your teeth and mouth health in better condition. Smokers are also more likely to develop periodontitis as opposed to those who don’t smoke.
Regular checkups
Prevention over cure people! Regular checkups and dental cleans keep your teeth and gums healthy. They also let you know if you have any warning signs and what you need to focus on. Getting regular checkups is much better than having to get a root canal when your teeth are decaying, therefore you should see your dentist at least once per year to make sure everything is looking good!
Image via apolloclinicthane.com
