Good oral hygiene is vital in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
While you might not think about oral hygiene beyond brushing your teeth when you wake up and when you go to bed, it can significantly impact your health and wellbeing. A lot about your general health can be told from your gums and teeth. If you've been following me recently, you'll know that I had a mouth ulcer which wasn't' healing and so I was referred to the hospital. Did you know that any mouth ulcer which lasts longer than 3 weeks should be checked out by a dentist or GP as it can be the sign of mouth cancer.
The Hospital think mine was caused by medication I take, but I'm still awaiting the results of a biopsy to be 100%.
Poor oral hygiene not only leads to gum diseases and infections, but can also lead to, or worsen, serious health conditions such as dementia, heart disease, strokes, diabetes, and more.
To prevent serious health conditions that will inevitably impact your wellbeing and quality of life, here are some things you can do to keep a basic level of oral hygiene.
Cut down on fizzy drinks
You always hear about how fizzy drinks are bad for you, often mistaking this for parents being hard on you as kids, but they have a point. It has been estimated that there are approximately 9-12 teaspoons of sugar in a can of pop and those who drink a few glasses (or more) per day, increase their chances of tooth decay, tooth loss and fillings by 62%.
Brush your teeth twice per day
It has been estimated that on average, you only brush your teeth for 45 seconds to 70 seconds per day, as opposed to the 2-minute recommendation. You must brush your teeth at least 2 times per day, for a minimum of 2 minutes. Make sure you do not rush and ensure you do a thorough job. I have an electric tooth brush which is timed for the correct amount of time. Avoid brushing straight after consuming acidic food or drinks, as this can be harmful.
Learn the right techniques
Brushing your teeth is often rushed, but it shouldn’t be. It should be treated seriously, along with using the right techniques. It is recommended you use a soft, circular motion when brushing. Speak to your dentist for the correct technique, as with different teeth alignment, you need to learn the optimal brushing techniques specifically for you.
Use high-quality tools
It is just as important to consider what you are using when you are brushing your teeth. Make sure you have a toothbrush that is soft and is comfortable to use. Use a toothpaste which reduces and prevents tooth decay. Flossing is also important, as you are likely to miss around 40% of surfaces if you don’t. It is recommended that you floss twice per day.
Additional treatments
For some people, additional treatments are necessary to ensure optimal oral health and wellbeing. This can be treatments such as braces, composite bonding, teeth whitening, fillings, teeth removal, and more. It is important to visit your dentist to find out about your oral hygiene situation and learn more about additional oral treatments that can improve your wellbeing and quality of life.
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