To maintain a healthy mouth and prevent diseases, it is essential to practice good oral hygiene. The basics of maintaining proper oral hygiene include:
- Brushing teeth at least twice per day.
- Flossing once daily.
- Visiting the dentist for regular cleanings.
Dental problems are caused by bacteria growing into plaque on tooth surfaces. Plaque can irritate gum tissue and cause gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease which causes the gums to become red. Over time, plaque build-up may lead to cavities, receding gums, and tooth loss. If such problems affect your mouth, you can only treat them by visiting dental clinic Toorak and undergoing expensive treatments. To avoid such problems, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene at all times.
There are many steps you can follow to maintain good oral hygiene. Here’s a to-do list to keep your mouth in the best condition possible:
1. Keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape by brushing at least twice a day and flossing regularly before bedtime. This goes a long way in preventing cavities, periodontal disease, and other oral maladies.
2. If you have children, take them to the dentist as early as possible so they can get used to the experience and start establishing good habits right from the beginning. That way, they’ll be more likely to stick with the routine of regular dental check-ups for a lifetime.
3. Don’t smoke or let anyone smoke around you. Research has shown that smokers are more likely to develop gum disease than non-smokers, so avoiding tobacco is an easy way to protect your teeth and gums.
4. Always rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking anything besides water. This will remove any food left behind by brushing and flossing and reduce the risk of cavities.
5. Brush your tongue during your morning and evening routines to remove tartar build-up, which increases your risk of gum disease.
6. Limit the number of sugary foods you eat, particularly those that are sticky or remain on your teeth for a while.
7. Drink plenty of water each day to keep your saliva flowing, washing away bacteria and preventing tooth decay.
8. Limit your consumption of acidic foods and beverages, such as soda pop and citrus juices.
9. Don’t chew tobacco as it may cause gum disease and increase the likelihood of losing teeth over time.
10. Avoid clenching or grinding your teeth – it can lead to broken teeth and misalignment of your dental structure.
11. Get plenty of rest to avoid tension, which can cause you to grind or clench your teeth unconsciously during the day and night (stress-related habits like this are significant causes of oral problems).
12. If you have dental anxiety, talk with your dentist about sedative options that will help you relax while you are at the office.
These 12 tips, if used regularly, can go a long way in preventing dental problems and making your next visit to the dentist more manageable. Remember, the more you care for your teeth and oral health, the lesser the chances of you getting any dental treatments done.
*Photos by Keira Burton
