An Ultimate Guide to Oral Health and How to Improve It

When we think about living a healthy lifestyle and looking after ourselves, we can often overlook the importance of oral health.

You may be surprised to know that the health of your mouth, teeth and gums can have an impact on your whole body. Bacterial infections and dental abscess can spread into disease and effect other areas of your body, so it is vital that you know how to take care of your oral hygiene and find the right dentist for you.

Here is your ultimate guide on oral hygiene and what you can do to improve it.

The Importance of Oral Health

If you fail to practice good oral hygiene each day, then you are increasing your risk of developing serious diseases and conditions. When you put it into perspective a healthy mouth can be a great asset to have. Your teeth play vital importance in helping you chew and digest food. They also help you speak clearly and give you the ability to smile, Dr Soha Sharif Says. Have you ever heard the saying “a smile is the best outfit you can wear”? I’m sure you can agree that there is some truth in that and without a lovely healthy set of pearly whites you may not have the confidence to show your smile off.

Maintaining good oral hygiene can help you prevent the risk of tooth loss from diseases like gum disease and dental decay. It can also help you prevent bad breath, otherwise known as halitosis. If you suffer from halitosis, then this can often be treated so don’t feel too disheartened. Better health have released an informative article that can educate you on what halitosis is and how to treat it.

Conditions Linked to Oral Health

Two of the most apparent conditions related to oral health are tooth decay and gum disease. Both can have damaging impacts on your health, and both can result in severe bacterial infections. Tooth decay occurs when plaque on your tooth turns sugar into acid. This can permanently damage the hard surface of your teeth and develop tiny holes and openings. Tooth decay can further lead to gum disease.

If you have gum disease, your gums will be red and swollen. They may bleed and cause you also to have bad breath. Brushing your teeth regularly is vital in helping to prevent it. This article from the Deparment Of Health highlights some of the ways you can help prevent gum disease.

Your oral health can also link to other various diseases and conditions that may come as a surprise to you.

Diabetes: This condition has been linked to oral health through high blood sugar. Diabetes can reduce blood supply to areas like your gums and bones, which hold your teeth together, which can link to infections and issues like cavities.

Pneumonia: Poor oral health and hygiene has been known to cause pneumonia. If bacteria grow in your oral cavity, this can spread into the lungs and cause respiratory diseases like pneumonia.

Endocarditis: Neglecting your oral health can also have a damaging effect on your heart. Bacteria that grow in your oral cavity can go into your bloodstream. Endocarditis is when the lining of the heart muscle and valves become inflamed.

Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene

Regular trips to the dentist are vital when it comes to maintaining your oral health and hygiene. Picking the right one can often feel daunting, but it is advised that you conduct your research to see which dentist will be right for you. Reading reviews online is always an excellent place to start and speaking to other people in your area as they may have a recommendation. You don’t have to feel tied to your local area to find a dentist as there may be a better one for you further afield.

For instance, if you’ve ever considered travelling abroad to look for a dentist, Brisbane has some incredible emergency dentists in Carindale who can help you on the journey to better oral care. It is always advised that you consult with an expert. Doing your research is excellent. However, a dentist will give you solid advice and trusted expertise to ensure that you are doing everything you can to avoid your risk of health issues like tooth decay and gum disease.

How To Protect Your Oral Health

Visiting the dentist is just a tiny snippet of actions you should take to help protect your oral health. It comes down to you taking the proper steps to ensure that you have adequate hygiene to keep your teeth and gums happy. Brushing your teeth twice a day is crucial, and it is recommended that you use fluoride toothpaste. This helpful article from Colgate helps explain why fluoride in toothpaste is important.  

Flossing can be a great way to prevent plaque build-up, whilst mouthwash can help remove any leftover food particles. The three products listed above can be easily found in your local store, and you don’t have to break the budget to find tooth cleaning supplies that will do the job.

It can be a force of habit to keep the same toothbrush for months on end, but you should actively try to replace your toothbrush every couple of months. Particularly if you notice that the bristles on the brush have been worn, as this can affect the quality of your brush and not clean your teeth and gums as thoroughly as needs are.

How Sugar Can Affect Your Teeth

Excess sugar in your diet can lead to issues such as tooth decay. Plaque that builds up on your teeth can use sugar and turn it into acid, as briefly mentioned. This acid attacks the enamel on your teeth. If you are a fan of carbonated drinks, then now might be the time to ditch the habit and swap it out for something less acidic. Limiting the number of sugary foods you eat, like sweets, can also help contribute to good oral health and hygiene.

When shopping for food, you should avoid any food or drinks items with added sugar. These tips from The House Of Wellness will help you identify the foods you should avoid contributing to a healthier smile.

So, there we have it—your quick guide to oral health and hygiene. Ultimately your oral health starts with you, and you need to ensure you are actively taking the proper steps to help maintain a healthy smile and happy teeth. Ensuring that you are brushing your teeth twice a day is an excellent place to start, and once you set yourself up on a good routine, it will begin to become more natural for you.

Also, if your child is afraid of the dentist, try a pediatric dentist. Also try your best to educate yourself about the fear and dental anxiety. Seeking expert advice can help set you off in the right direction concerning your oral health and hygiene, and as scary as you may think they are, they are there to help you. Work towards a smile that you are happy to show off and one that will have you feeling your best pleased and healthy self.