Our smiles are very important but did you know your smile and your overall health depend on simple dental care habits, such as brushing and flossing. But are you using the right techniques?
And it isn’t as simple as brushing your teeth twice daily.
Oral health begins with clean teeth. Keeping the area where your teeth meet your gums clean can prevent gum disease, while keeping your tooth surfaces clean can help you stave off cavities and gum disease.
Consider these brushing basics:
- Brush your teeth twice a day. When you brush, don't rush. Take about two minutes to do a thorough job.
One useful tip is Don't brush right after eating, especially if you had something acidic such as grapefruit or soda. Don't forget to clean your tongue, which harbors bacteria, with a toothbrush or tongue scraper.
Use the proper tools. Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits your mouth comfortably. Consider using an electric or battery-operated toothbrush, which can reduce plaque and a mild form of gum disease (gingivitis) more than does manual brushing. These devices are also helpful if you have arthritis or other problems that make it difficult to brush effectively.
Good technique is also important. Hold your toothbrush at a slight angle — aiming the bristles toward the area where your tooth meets your gum. Gently brush with circular short back-and-forth motions. Brushing too hard or with hard bristles can hurt your gums.
Keep your tools clean. Always rinse your toothbrush with water after brushing. Store your toothbrush in an upright position and allow it to air-dry until using it again.
Try to keep it separate from other toothbrushes in the same holder to prevent cross-contamination. Don't routinely cover toothbrushes or store them in closed containers, which can encourage the growth of bacteria, mold and yeast.
How often should we replace our toothbrushes? The answer is every three months. Or even sooner if the bristles are frayed or irregular. And it’s the same for a replacement head for your electric or battery-operated toothbrush
Did you know that the toothbrush cannot reach the tight spaces in between teeth and under the gum line? And that is where the bacteria harbours and grow. That’s why daily flossing is important. When you floss:
Wind most of the floss around the middle finger on one hand, and the rest around the middle finger on the other hand. Grip the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers. Be gentle. Guide the floss between your teeth using a rubbing motion. Don't snap the floss into your gums. When the floss reaches your gum line, curve it against one tooth, making a c shape.
Slide the floss into the space between your gum and tooth. Use the floss to gently rub the side of the tooth in an up-and-down motion. Unwind fresh floss as you progress to the rest of your teeth.
If you find it hard to handle floss, use an interdental cleaner — such as a dental pick, pre-threaded flosser, tiny brushes that reach between teeth, a water flosser, or wooden or silicone wedge plaque remover.
As long as you do a thorough job, it doesn't matter if you brush or floss first.
In addition to daily brushing and flossing, consider using mouthwash containing fluoride to promote oral health.
Also, resist the temptation to use toothpicks or other objects that could injure your gums and let in bacteria. If you smoke, try to quit. Using tobacco increases your risk of many diseases, including gum disease and tooth loss.
Did you know that your oral health is connected to many other health conditions? There is increasing evidence and studies to prove the impact of gum inflammation or gum diseases on various illnesses. For eg. Gum disease can trigger heart attacks and strokes, worsening of diabetes and even causing premature or low birth weight babies?
Oral health and chronic disease are a 2-way street. Some chronic diseases can cause problems in your mouth. Likewise, some oral issues have been linked to certain chronic diseases or conditions
For example : Diabetes is a disease that affects your body’s ability to process sugar. It can be managed with treatment. Left untreated, it can cause many kinds of problems, including some in your mouth. These include:
- Less saliva. This can make your mouth feel very dry.
- More cavities. Saliva is needed to protect your teeth from cavities.
- Gum disease. Your gums can become inflamed and bleed.
- Infections. You are more likely to get an infection in your mouth.
Cardiovascular problems
Many studies show an association between gum disease (also called periodontal disease) and cardiovascular disease. The bacteria in your mouth can cause certain types of infection and inflammation. This research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries, and even stroke could be related to these types.
Another cardiovascular condition linked to oral health is endocarditis. This is an infection in your heart. It is usually caused by bacteria in the bloodstream that attach to weakened areas of the heart. These bacteria could come from your mouth, if your mouth’s normal defenses are down.
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