Who doesn’t like an odorless mouth with sparkling white teeth? Having a proper arrangement of pearly-white teeth and an ear-to-ear smile can aid a person in making a great first impression.
Nevertheless, not only does good dental health contribute to the overall physical personality of the person, but also other health parameters. Some of the risk factors involved in ignoring dental hygiene are:
• Premature delivery among pregnant women, thus, low birth weight of babies as a consequence of dental health negligence.
• Gum diseases can lead to cardiovascular problems and frequent stomach infections.
• Yellow-colored teeth and crooked teeth can cause low self-esteem, thus having an impact on a person’s mental health.
• Respiratory infections are very common among people with poor dental hygiene.
• Poor dental health not only cause but also worsen existing health problems. For instance, patients with diabetes mellitus should be extra careful with their dental care routine.
The statistics seem to be quite worrisome. According to the survey, only 51% of Indians use a toothbrush and toothpaste to clean their teeth. When it comes to brushing their teeth, only 28% of Indians are doing it twice a day. As far as dental cavities are concerned, 85-90% of adults are inflicted with dental cavities.
It being the month of October, let’s revise the basics of maintaining good dental hygiene to avoid the above-listed problems in life.
1. Gentle Brushing
Vigorous brushing of teeth can harm gums. While it is important to brush twice every single day, it is also important to understand the nuances of brushing. The bristles should not be hard, but very soft so that they can reach every corner of the mouth and not harm the gums at the same time.
Hold the brush properly and tilt it at an angle of 45°. The motion should be downwards and must cover all the surfaces.
2. Regular Flossing
Brushing teeth cleans the surface, but when it comes to thorough cleaning, flossing is vital. Not only does it help with bad breath but also prevents the gross after-taste in the mouth.
3. Rinsing with Mouthwash
An anti-microbial mouthwash can prevent sore throat and prevent bad breath. Using a mouthwash along with brushing properly and flossing regularly can ensure the complete absence of plaque in the mouth.
4. Gum Massage
A healthy gum means healthy teeth. Massaging teeth with Olive oil, almond oil, or any other can do wonders. Even simple massaging sans any of these oils can be beneficial for inflammation and blood circulation in gums.
5. Regular tongue cleaning
Applying glycerin with a cotton pad for a bacteria-free oral cavity is a must. It can prevent stomach infections and give you a good healthy gut. a dirty tongue can look unappealing as well.
6. Maintain good food habits
Saltwater rinses once a day can work wonders for inflamed gums. Green tea contains compounds that control the population of bacteria in the mouth, so regular intake can improve dental health.
7. Avoid processed foods and artificial sugars; Limit sodas
Artificial sugar in processed foods can cause dental erosion. Frequent and unhealthy snacking can cause bad breath and bacteria lagging around in the oral cavity.
Sodas, on the other hand, erode tooth surfaces and harm the enamel which can further cause teeth attrition. Soda can also cause acid reflux which can add to the erosion of tooth surfaces.
8. Minimum use of tobacco
Cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and tobacco in any other form are considered to be one of the main causes of oral cancer, gum disease, and untreated tooth decay. Tobacco also stains the enamel of a tooth and teeth take on a yellowish appearance.
To rebuild gums and maintain the white color of your teeth, a consistent effort of 15 minutes every day is all that is needed. According to Dr. Dipanjit Singh Sekhon, a dentist based in Delhi, “Seeking immediate help from a dental expert is highly recommended and spreading awareness about some common symptoms like bleeding or receding of gums is a must. When it comes to addressing dental problems, it is best to nip it in the bud.”
Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to health issues and dental as well oral hygiene cannot be neglected. Simple practices like soft brushing, regular rinsing, and thorough flossing are all that is needed.
Read more: Role of Technology in Healthcare
