Oral hygiene is vital to the general health of a person. There are several ways in which unhealthy teeth affect other health issues in the body. Unhealthy teeth can lead to speech problems, issues with self-confidence, and malnutrition. Adopting personal, hygienic oral practices and having regular medical check-ups at Pendleton Orthodontics is essential. The mouth and gum area is susceptible. Therefore, oral hygiene should be adhered to daily.
Below, we look into the best practices for keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
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Brush teeth and gums regularly and gently.
Regular brushing of teeth does not guarantee clean teeth. What matters most is the technique of brushing. People should brush their teeth in circular motions in a process that should last two to three minutes. Make sure also to brush your teeth and gums gently. Use a toothbrush that has soft bristles.
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Use paste or mouthwash with fluoride.
Fluoride contains fluorine, an element that has various benefits to teeth and gums. Fluorine aids in preventing tooth decay and dental cavities. Although fluorine is vital in oral health, it is a primary concern for other adverse health effects
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Floss once or twice a day
Floss can penetrate areas a toothbrush cannot reach. It helps in removing bacteria and debris of food stuck between the teeth. Applying the correct technique is also essential when flossing. Avoid flossing in an up and down motion—instead, floss in a horizontal to and from movement.
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Visit a dentist on a regular
Dental experts recommend people visit dentists every six months. The dentist checks for different problems that affect teeth and gum. Issues such as cavities and gum diseases. The durations for seeing a dentist vary depending on an individual’s health history.
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Take water regularly
Water is vital in many aspects of human health. Oral health is not an exception. Enough consumption of water aids in the optimum functioning of body tissues. Water is also a cleaning agent. Dental experts suggest that a person should drink water after every meal. It washes away acidic and sticky foods and beverages.
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Reduce consumption of sugary foods
Consuming a lot of sugar causes dental cavities. The World Health Organization recommends people regulate their sugar consumption to a maximum of ten per cent. Starchy food such as chips and bread cause tooth decay. Vegetables, fiber-rich fruits, and dairy products are the best for oral health.
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Adopt regular use of mouthwash
Using mouthwash is as crucial as using toothpaste. There are unique kinds of mouthwash that dental experts recommend. Mouthwashes with chlorhexidine help counter gingivitis and plaque.
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Limit smoking
Smoking deteriorates the immune system affecting the healing tissues. Harmed dental tissues render the mouth cavity prone to diseases. Intense smoking alters the color of teeth and tongue. It also causes a foul odor in the mouth.
Personal hygiene is vital to a person’s general health. Prevention is better than cure. Therefore, it is advisable to maintain healthy oral hygiene practices. This is to avoid regular visits to the dentist because of dental illnesses.
