Every felt pain in your teeth or gums?

You aren’t alone.

Dental health affects the health of the whole body in multiple ways. Inability to chew and swallow food properly can lead to malnutrition which in turn leads to several other diseases. Poor oral health can seriously affect social integration, speech, self-esteem, and overall health. Most especially for people with other health problems, dental health should really be attended more seriously. For example, Alzheimer patient’s dental health needs special care since they are more prone to dental caries and mouth diseases.

Above statistics show the dire need to educate and inform the public about oral health. Therefore, let’s explore 9 good practices to maintain good oral health to avoid becoming part of that 50-70% number!

Before we talk about good practices, let’s pause for just a second. If you or your loved is having a toothache, or maybe there’s a plaque on your kid’s teeth, then you’ll probably find great help in talking directly to a dentist. You can get help by booking an online video consultation or appointment with the best dentist in your city.

Let’s get back to good practices for oral health.

1. Brush your teeth before going to bed

Although we got this advice so many times in our lives but we still neglect it. It sounds cliche but brushing before bed cleanse off microorganism and plaque from teeth that might have accumulated throughout the day.

Milk and juice contains sugar that can cause tooth decay if they stay on the teeth for longer periods. Therefore, babies and toddlers shouldn’t go to bed with milk bottles or sippy cups in their mouth.

2. Brush properly

The way you brush your teeth has an effect on oral health, doing it pooly is same as not brushing at all.

• Place your brush at a 45° angle against your arms and brush each tooth almost 15-20 minutes. Move the brush gently, using short strokes.
• Brush the outer tooth surfaces using short, back-and-forth strokes.
• Brush the inner upper-front teeth by brushing vertically against them using short, downward strokes. Use short, upward strokes for lower inside teeth.
• Brush the chewing surfaces of the teeth with short, back-and-forth strokes. Replace your toothbrush when it’s worn or frayed about every 3 or 4 months.
• Also, brush your tongue to help fight bacteria. It’s not essential but keeps your teeth healthy. Try using a toothbrush with a cheek and tongue cleaner.

You should also get a new toothbrush after you have had a cold, strep throat, or similar illness.

Don’t cover your toothbrush or store it in a closed container. This can encourage the growth of microorganisms.

3. Use fluoride toothpaste

Make sure whatever toothpaste you are using it contains fluoride.

Fluoride is an essential component of oral health. It’s because it is a leading defense against tooth decay. It fights off the microorganism that cause tooth decay as well as by acting as a protective barrier for your teeth.

4. Consider mouthwash

Mouthwash reduces the amount of acid in mouth, cleans areas around gus which are hard to brush. It also remineralize the teeth.

You should ask your dentist for specific mouthwash. Certain brands are best for children

5. Drink more water

Water is the best beverage for your whole physiological health including oral health. Drink water regularly after each meal. This reduces the negative effects of sticky as well as well acidic food beverages in between brushes.

Soft drinks and sugary juices are usually the sources of tooth decay. Drink less soft drink, and more water, milk as well as fresh juices to protect your teeth.

You can keep a water bottle always with you to stay hydrated. Also, you can use apps from Playstore etc. to keep track of your daily, weekly, and monthly intake.

6. Eat crunchy foods and vegetables

Eating fresh, raw crunchy vegetables and fruits not only contains more fiber but it’s also a great choice for your teeth.

So every week, set aside days to eat only raw vegetables and fruits. Try to avoid mushy processed food as well cutting the food into tiny pieces on these days. So it can get your jaws keep working!

7. Limit sugary and acidic food

Consuming a lot of sugar leads to cavities. Research continues to show that sugar plays significant play adversely dental health. Some common of sugar in these cases include desserts, candy as well as processed foods.

WHO recommends to limit sugar intake to below 10% of total daily calories. You can use an online calorie calculator to calculate daily calorie your body needs.

Starchy foods such as bread, chips etc. can also cause tooth decay.

8. Do not smoke

Smoking stains your teeth yellow, causes bad breath as well as increases the risk of gum disease.

Smoking harms your immune system which makes it difficult for the body to heal tissues including those of the mouth. It also increases the risk of gum diseases.

9. Keep a healthy diet

What you eat and drink can have a major impact on your tooth decay.

A balanced diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables in a week and as starchy foods (such as bread, rice, potatoes).

Only eat small amounts of food and drinks high in fat and sugar.

It’s never a bad idea to care for your organs and body, that way you never miss out on living your life to the fullest. Besides nobody likes a toothache!

If you or your loved one has a tooth problem, or maybe your child needs braces, or maybe your dad needs those artificial teeth to enjoy eating again. You can get help for yourself or your loved by talking directly to a dentist. Book your video consultation or appointment with a dentist who would listen to you unconditionally and prioritizes you and your problems.

Keep your teeth healthy so you never have to miss out on a taste ever!