The path to good Oral Hygiene

Oral health has got an important role on your overall health. Neglecting one’s oral health can lead to more than just sore teeth and bad breath- it can open the door to all sorts of health problems, including deadly diseases like oral cancer. Over the years studies have found a possible connection between gum problems and heart diseases, stroke and even pregnancies. Therefore it is imperative that we equal or more attention to our oral health, as we do to our physical health.

Role of Diet & Lifestyle in Oral hygiene

Lifestyle factors play the most important role in determining a person’s oral hygiene. The manner in which you approach your dental hygiene on a day to day basis will determine the long term health and functionality of your teeth and gums. Some of the ways in which lifestyle choices can be a detriment to oral health are as follows:

Sugar Consumption

Having a sugar laden diet contributes to tooth decay and gum problems, as the bacteria in the mouth thrive in this environment, producing tooth and gum destroying enzymes and acids.

Smoking

Smoking causes periodontal disease (Gum disease), tooth decay and oral cancer. The longer you have smoked for, the more you are at risk for irreversible tooth and gum damage.

Drinking Alcohol:

It causes oral problems indirectly, resulting in a dehydrated mouth, which allows bacteria to run rampant.

Medication:

Some medication, eg: Antibiotics can cause internal staining of teeth, also known as “Tetracycline staining”, depending on the age you take them. Some medicines cause side effects like “dry mouth”. Dry mouth is prone to gum disease and tooth decay, as well as bad breath.

Maintenance of dental hygiene

The maintenance of good oral hygiene is not a difficult task to undertake, in fact, it mainly consists of following a handful of steps regularly. These steps include:

  • Practice good oral hygiene at home by carefully brushing and flossing your teeth regularly in order to prevent plaque from accumulating on the teeth and causing problems.
  • See your Dentist regularly to head off any problems early.
  • Wash your mouth after every meal without fail to prevent gum disease and bad breath.
  • Avoid smoking to keep the gums strong and healthy.
  • Clean your tongue without fail to avoid bad breath and any negative impact on your dental health.
  • Follow healthy life style and diet practices.
  • Limit the consumption of sodas and other sugary beverages.

 

Maintenance of Oral Hygiene in Infants

Even before your child gets his/her 1st tooth, wipe your child’s gum with an infant gum massager or a clean gauze.

Once the child’s tooth comes in, brush it daily twice using a soft bristled tooth brush with water.

 

Good Oral Hygiene

Results in a month that looks and smells healthy. This means:

  • Your teeth are clean and free of debris.
  • Gums are pink and do not hurt or bleed when you brush or floss.
  • Bad breath is not a constant problem.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Rajitha Gopalan

General Dentist

Aster Clinic, Muhaisnah

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