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A set of clean, shiny teeth can add charm to a beautiful smile. Being one of the most important parts of our bodily teeth needs to be maintained regularly. To be precise, food enters our body through the mouth. As the teeth grind down the food we chew, they are more susceptible to the buildup of plaque and cavities if careful attention is not given to oral hygiene.
It’s a story of Shalini who always had a beautiful smile. People in her office wanted to talk to her because of her contagious smile which helped her make lots of friends and expand her social network. Shalini was the center of attraction in her family duties due to her clean teeth and fresh mouth. It was not easy for Shalini to have these good teeth. She was aware of the oral problems she could face if she didn’t take care of them. Therefore, Shalini followed a strict diet like brushing twice a day, flossing, etc. that helped her maintain her oral hygiene.
Similar to Shalini, maintaining good oral health is essential to maintaining good overall health for everyone. The goal of good oral hygiene is to prevent the formation and production of plaque and tartar. If this oral health is not properly taken care of, many people face various related issues. From toothaches and foul smells from the mouth, discomfort, bleeding gums, one can encounter many problems if they ignore taking care of their teeth. Changing habits, adopting simple techniques like using the right type of brush can also make a big difference in maintaining good oral health.
Know the right toothbrush:
- Always select a soft bristle toothbrush. It shouldn’t hurt your gums while brushing
- Toothbrushes should be changed 3-4 times a year
- Buy the right size toothbrush for kids
- Children and people with braces may need to use special toothbrushes. Talk to your dentist.
- People with arthritis may find it difficult to hold the toothbrush. Select the ones that are easier for them to hold.
On this World Oral Health Day, let’s make a commitment to make changes in our habits that can help keep teeth healthier and stronger.
- Make sure you brush your teeth regularly but not aggressively
Brushing your teeth twice a day has been a habit since childhood. Brushing your teeth for 2 to 3 minutes, covering all parts, can eliminate oral problems such as cavities, bad breath, and other problems. However, using a stiff bristled toothbrush can damage the enamel as well as the gums.
- Protect your teeth from injury
Wear a full face helmet or mouthguard when playing sports or cycling to avoid any kind of tooth injury.
- Use toothpaste that contains fluoride
Fluoride comes from an element in the earth’s soil called fluorine. Experts believe that fluoride prevents cavities and is a common ingredient in toothpastes and mouthwashes.
Using fluoride-based toothpastes promotes healthy enamel by hardening it, making your teeth more durable and decay-free
- Avoid using your teeth for anything other than chewing food
It is important to only use the teeth for chewing food. Using your teeth to crack nuts, remove bottle caps, or tear open wrappers, you risk chipping or even breaking your teeth in this process.
- Be gentle while flossing
Flossing is an important part of cleaning your mouth. But it’s important to guide the floss between your teeth while rubbing. Do not put dental floss in your gums. When the dental floss reaches your gum line, be sure to bend it against a tooth, forming a “ C ”.
- Keep your equipment clean
Make sure to rinse your toothbrush with water after brushing your teeth. Store your toothbrush upright and let it air dry until you use it next time. Try to keep it away from other toothbrushes in the same holder to avoid cross contamination.
- Wash your mouth thoroughly
Be sure to rinse your mouth after eating food. The process will help fight plaque build-up in the mouth.
- Make sure to use a mouthwash
Using a good mouthwash can help fight many bacteria in our mouth and clean it thoroughly. It can also control acids which can damage tooth enamel.
- Consult your dentist for regular check-ups
Make an effort to visit the dentist at least once every six months. Not only will they be able to remove tartar from your teeth, but they will also be able to check for symptoms of cavities, gum disease and other dental problems.
- Avoid consuming or smoking too much caffeine
People who smoke or consume caffeine are much more likely to develop tartar on their teeth, which contributes to gum disease. It also weakens the immune system and makes it harder for the body to fight infection.
What’s more, smoking also increases your risk of oral cancer. Remember these essential elements of dental health and you will be able to maintain healthy gums and teeth without any problems. If anything, keep in mind that it’s never too late to improve your oral health!
By Dr Arun Murali, Consultant – Dentistry and Dental Surgery, Columbia Asia Hospital Sarjapur Road
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