What do you understand by dental hygiene? How important is it to you to actually have healthy teeth? When was the last time you booked a dental hygiene check up?

Do you understand the true value and function of your teeth and dental hygiene? Having a healthy set of teeth improves your physical health, and taking care of your dental health is just as important as any other body part, organ, or physical attribute that you have. It’s not just about looks. It’s about fine-tuning your teeth for proper function.

Good oral/dental health translates to good health overall. Dental problems such as cavities or gum disease can impair your ability to eat and speak properly, cause pain and bad breath. And what many people may not realize, is that poor dental health can have a profoundly, negative affect on areas outside of the mouth, including your heart, diabetes, pregnancy and chronic inflammation, such as arthritis — to name a few.

Your teeth are literally the gateway to excellent health, and when your teeth are in proper alignment and condition, so will the rest of you.

What’s at stake?

Some studies suggest that the bacteria in gum disease can travel to your heart and cause heart disease, clogged arteries or stroke. Gum infections, such as periodontitis, have been linked to premature births and low-birth weight in pregnant women. Diabetes reduces the body’s resistance to infection, making the gums more susceptible to infection, which can adversely affect blood sugar. And painful mouth sores, are common in people who have HIV.

Practicing good dental hygiene is so important, because it can prevent these type of oral disease and dental problems. And prevention should be the primary focus.

When to be concerned…

You should see your dentist if you experience pain, bleeding gums, swelling, both inside and outside the mouth, tenderness, blisters and ulcers that don’t heal, or noticeable changes in color or texture of the soft tissues. These could all be indications of a serious, or potentially serious condition, such as mouth cancer or chronic gum disease.

• 

Here are some tips that can help you to have a healthier dental hygiene

1. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes. Our dentists recommends brushing for at least two minutes, twice daily, to properly remove food particles that attract bacteria.
2. Learn proper brushing technique. Brushing too vigorously can increase your likelihood of gum recession and damaged tooth enamel. To brush properly, hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle in relation to your gums and move your hand in a circular motion.
3. Floss at least once per day. Even if you brush twice a day, food particles can still get trapped in the spaces between your teeth. Flossing once a day helps to prevent tartar buildup that contributes to tooth decay and gum disease.
4. Visit your dentist at least every 6 months. Routine dental exams are critical for your dental health. Visiting your dentist twice a year for a routine cleaning and oral exam will help you detect and prevent oral health issues.
5. Replace your toothbrush every 3 months. Over time, toothbrush bristles can lose their shape and deteriorate. To properly clean your teeth and gums, swap out your toothbrush every three or four months. If you schedule regular dental exams, your dentist will also provide you with a new toothbrush if necessary.
6. Consider using a fluoride mouthwash. Use a mouthwash that contains fluoride to prevent tooth decay and kill bad bacteria in your mouth. Do not eat or drink for 30 minutes after using a fluoride mouthwash.
7. Keep hydrated. Saliva helps protect your teeth against decay. Drinking water is good for your teeth because it helps wash away leftover food and residue that can cause cavities.
8. Limit sugary and acidic foods. Cavity-causing bacteria feed on sugar and produce acid that wears away your enamel. Food acids also soften your tooth material and dissolve the minerals in tooth enamel. By limiting your intake of sugary and acidic foods, you are helping to protect your enamel from erosion.
9. Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables. Crunchy foods, such as apples, carrots, and celery, neutralize sugar content and wipe away plaque-causing bacteria on the surface of your teeth. These vegetables also stimulate saliva flow, which acts as a natural defense against cavities and gum disease.

Why choose Emerald Dental as your dental hygiene center of choice?

At Emerald Dental clinic we have prioritized our patient’s dental hygiene, we ensure they actually understand what is going on in their mouth during assessments and take time for proper education on the implications of neglect. This month of April we are making mouth hygiene a priority, infant the whole month is all about dental hygiene, we are doing educational graphics and videos just to help everyone understand why their oral health is so important for their overall health. Kids are on holiday and their oral health is just as important, this is the best time to take them to the dentist and have their oral health in order and well taken care of.

Our facility is very child friendly and our doctors are the most patient, tender and loving when it comes to both adults and kids. Your dental health should be a priority, do you agree?

Source

https://www.legacycommunityhealth.org/newsblog-importance-of-good-dental-hygiene/
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/brushing-and-flossing/ten-dental-hygiene-tips-for-a-more-thorough-clean
https://32pearls.com/the-true-value-of-dental-hygiene-and-healthy-set-of-teeth/