Tips For Keeping Your Mouth Healthy
Keeping your mouth healthy is something that we all want to do but it can be difficult. It is not just about brushing your teeth to keep your mouth healthy. Yes, it will keep your teeth clean but you have got to look after your gums and the rest of your mouth.
Here are some tips to keep your mouth healthy throughout your life and to prevent damage to your teeth.
Brushing Your Teeth
Let’s get the simple one out the way. Brushing your teeth is something that you need to do twice a day and it is important to know how to do it. You cannot do it too aggressively because this will damage your gums and make them bleed!
You have got to brush your teeth for at least two minutes and no longer than three minutes. Targeting not only the front teeth but also the ones in the back of your mouth will make sure all the teeth are given the attention you need. This is because the teeth at the back of your mouth are where you chew your food. This is going to have the largest amount of plaque.
As stated earlier, brushing your teeth too hard can lead to damaging tooth enamel and damage to your teeth. Make sure that your toothbrush is not hard-bristled as this can cause permanent damage to your teeth, as they will become more sensitive when you eat and drink. Not to mention it can also cause gum erosion.
Health experts recommend that we change our toothbrushes every three months to make sure they are doing their jobs properly!
Fluoride
Fluoride is a common ingredient in our toothpaste however it is not in every single one. Health experts believe that fluoride is what helps in preventing cavities which can also be found in our toothpaste and mouthwash.
In Western parts of the world, fluoride will be in the water pipes but it is best to check if your area does. If your area does not have fluoride in the water then, it is probably best to make sure that your toothpaste and mouthwash do contain it. Bottled water does not contain fluoride as well.
Flossing At Least Once a Day
A toothbrush is not able to get every single spot in your mouth. This is why it is important to floss as this can get the difficult spots and angles that a toothbrush cannot reach. There is no strong evidence that flossing makes a massive difference in getting rid of plaque. However, many health experts and dentists recommend that you do it. Dental health professionals suggest that if you floss, then it is best to do it gently in between the teeth down to your gums.
Regular dentist visits
It is recommended that you should visit your dentist once every six months for a regular check-up. During this examination, the dentist will remove any plaque, hardened tartar and make sure they are cleaned properly.
It is the dentist’s responsibility to check if there are any other issues inside the mouth as well. These other issues could be early tooth decay, gum disease, mouth cancer and any other potential oral health issues. There are many things that you will not be able to notice until they begin causing damage. This is why it is important to get regular checkups at the dentist as they will be able to spot them early on.
When you visit the dentist, they will advise on how often you should come. If you successfully keep on top of your teeth then they might recommend less than twice a year. It all just depends on the current condition of your mouth. However, those that have Invisalign treatment may need to visit their dentist more than twice a year to make sure everything is progressing as it should be.
Sugary and Starchy Foods
Sugar is another thing that can cause tooth decay and damage your mouth. Having too many sweets and fizzy drinks will cause a lot of damage over the long term. It is recommended that you limit your sugar intake to below 10 per cent, according to the World Health Organisation. Some health experts recommend reducing it to 5 per cent as this can reduce the risk of cavities.
Starchy foods can also have a massive effect on your teeth. These foods can be crisps, bread, pasta, pizza and many others that can cause damage to your teeth. This is because the body breaks down the food into simple sugars which acid-producing bacteria feed with. This acid can then contribute to tooth decay.
It is recommended that you swap out your fizzy drinks for a glass of water. As well as reducing the number of sweets that you consume as well.
Smoking
Smoking not only damages your oral health but can also damage your body as well. It is dangerous in terms of your immune health as well as many other things. Smoking can cause gum diseases as well which could lead to you losing your teeth. There are a lot of health issues that come with smoking so, if you do smoke then it is advised that you seek help to stop.
Smoking is up there with causing the most damage to your teeth if you have been a long term smoker, so stopping smoking is one of the most important things you can do to protect your oral health.
In Conclusion
You must keep on top of your oral hygiene as you can pay the consequences when you get older. Just make sure that you visit the dentist regularly and brush your teeth at least twice a day.
Adding mouthwash to the shopping list is also something that you should do as this will get to those places that your toothbrush might miss. If you have a child, make sure you keep on top of their teeth when they begin to come through. Researching the right ways to brush your child’s teeth is advised!
