Importance of Oral Hygiene for your Clean and Healthy Mouth

Oral hygiene is about keeping your mouth clean and free from any disease. It involves brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily and seeing a good dentist for dental X-rays, examinations, oral hygiene instruction and mouth cleanings. Preventative dentistry gives you the suitable chance for attaining your attractive smile and long-lasting oral health.

Importance of dental hygiene

Oral hygiene is about preventative care which means you can prevent dental problems such as – gum disease, bad breath and tooth cavities before they begin. This is actually possible when you take proper care of your teeth and gums.

Oral health is also linked to your overall health condition. For example, if there is an infection in your mouth, then the bloodstream will carry bacteria to other body parts. This can be related to other health concerns like stroke and heart disease. Make sure you keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy for your improved health condition.

Conditions related to dental health

According to research, gingivitis and periodontitis can be linked to certain health conditions such as:

• Pneumonia
• Cardiovascular disease
• Endocarditis like infection of inner lining of heart
• Stroke

On the other hand, there are certain health conditions that leave a negative impact on your teeth and gums. These are:

• Diabetes
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Osteoporosis
• HIV/AIDS

Signs of poor dental hygiene

Common signs of poor dental hygiene are the following:

• Bleeding gums.
• Loose teeth
• Bad breath
• Swelling of jaw
• Tooth decay.
• Gum recession.
• Mouth sores
• Gingivostomatitis, an infection of mouth caused by certain bacteria or viruses.

How to improve your oral hygiene

It is important to maintain good oral hygiene habits so that you can protect your teeth and gums and keep your smile beautiful. Some oral hygiene instructions to follow are:

• Brush teeth at least twice a day – Take a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean teeth at least two times in a day. Do not choose hard bristles as this can damage tooth enamel and gums. Place the toothbrush at an angle of 45-degree toward the gums and get rid of bacteria and plaque at the gum line. Make sure you brush all the teeth surfaces which include sides and backs for clean and healthy mouth.
  
  
• Floss once daily – It is not possible for you to reach the spaces between your teeth with brushing alone. For cleaning these areas, it is important to do flossing daily. Use a piece of floss which is around 18 inches long. Try to wrap each end around the middle fingers. Using forefingers and thumbs, do flossing between two teeth. Wrap floss around one tooth in C shape and clean it in 10 strokes, both up and down. After this, wrap floss around the other tooth and then repeat it. Continue the process on all the teeth.
  
  
• Clean your tongue – The tongue holds bacteria in the form of sponge. Whenever you brush teeth, make sure you clean your tongue too. Use toothbrush for this purpose or you can buy a tongue scraper for your oral health.
  
  
• Use an antibacterial mouthwash – Using an antibacterial mouthwash can keep harmful bacteria far away from attacking your mouth. Other than cleaning small food particles and debris, it can lessen the formation of plaque. Make sure you choose alcohol-free formula to prevent the problem of dry mouth.
  
  
• Visit your dentist regularly – Routine dental exams and mouth cleanings are important to maintain good oral health. Many people improve their dental health within six months. If you are prone to gum disease, mouth cavities or other oral health problems, then you need to schedule more frequent dental appointments.
  
  
• Do not smoke and avoid tobacco products – Smoking is the major cause of gum disease and oral cancer. If you are addicted to smoking and want to quit this habit, then see your healthcare provider and know about treatment options that can help in this regard.

Consult with your dentist about customised oral health routine to fulfil your exact requirements.

When you should visit your healthcare provider

If it has already been more than six months since the last dental cleaning, then you should fix an appointment with your dentist right away. He will examine your teeth and gums and give necessary recommendations to meet your requirement.

When you develop warning signs such as – bleeding gums, tooth pain, bad breath or loose teeth, then it is important to schedule a consultation session with the dentist. Proper treatment can help to eliminate the problem of harmful bacteria and plaque. By overcoming your oral health concerns, you can actually improve your overall health.

Proper oral hygiene is the key to your optimal health. Brushing, flossing and routine dental checkups will keep your teeth and gums in good condition. Regular dental visits help the dentist to detect and treat your problems early, before they may become worse. You can also visit dental hygienist to get effective tips on oral hygiene habits and know more about oral health products.