A smile is the first thing someone will notice on your face. Yet, most people do not take oral care seriously.
Research conducted by the Oral Health Foundation found that half of all British citizens have gum-related issues. However, among this population, one in four do not brush twice a day as recommended by dentists.
Poor oral health care can lead to tooth loss, disease or even death. Practice these oral health tips to keep your set of teeth and beautiful smile for a lifetime.
Drink water
Water is good not only for your oral health but also general body health. Always drink water after eating. This practice helps to wash away the particles and sugar left in between the teeth, preventing plaque build-up and cavity-forming bacteria.
Visit a dentist twice a year
According to dentists, you should have dental check-ups every six months for healthy teeth and gums.
Sometimes people do not visit dentists for checkups because they feel healthy. However, it is essential since a dentist might see something that you cannot. Likewise, regular teeth cleaning can prevent dental-health issues from arising.
Brush twice a day
Most people take this practice lightly. However, brushing your teeth in the morning and at night helps to eliminate plaque build-up and bacteria that cause periodontal diseases and tooth decay.
Floss daily
Do not overlook the importance of flossing. It is necessary to reach crevices in your teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach.
If you do not floss, plaque and tartar can build up in between your teeth, causing both tooth decay and gum disease.
Avoid sugary foods
Sugary and starchy foods react in the mouth to cause tooth decay. The acid formed when sugar and saliva react erodes enamel, the protective layer of the teeth. Once enamel is gone, it does not regenerate.
Once enamel has gone, your teeth are then exposed to decay. This can result in pain and discomfort. You will then be visiting the dentist regularly to get your teeth fixed.
Brush with fluoride toothpaste
You might think that any toothpaste is suitable for brushing. However, dentists recommend a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride prevents teeth from decaying by making the enamel strong.
Clean your tongue
Ensure you clean your tongue every time you brush your teeth to keep your mouth healthy. A tongue harbours food particles and bacteria that can cause bad breath and tooth decay.
Brush your tongue gently with a toothbrush or a scraper. Use a pH toothpaste to kill any bacteria in the mouth by increasing the pH.
Control diabetes
Diabetic patients are likely to get gum diseases if they do not keep their blood sugar levels controlled. Gum diseases then escalate diabetes, which can lead to cardiovascular issues.
Pay attention
Your mouth and gums will always give you warning signs if anything is wrong. Pay close attention to notice any symptoms of unhealthy mouth and gums, such as pain, a bitter taste, bad breath or bleeding.
Ignoring these symptoms could lead to a serious infection or disease. The earlier an oral problem is detected, the easier it will be to rectify the issue.
Be thoughtful when sipping your fizzy drinks
You do not have to refrain from beverages, but they can stain your teeth. Use a straw to avoid the drink contacting your teeth.
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