There are numerous reasons why you should be concerned about oral hygiene. Aside from cosmetic considerations, there are also health-related reasons why you need to take care of your mouth.
Maintaining proper oral hygiene can help prevent numerous diseases such as tooth decay, thrush, cold sores, canker sores, bad breath, etc. If left untreated, these problems can become very serious and even turn into major health problems.
The ActiveMan Guide to Oral Hygiene
Oral health is very important. Young kids are always taught to brush their teeth twice a day, floss, and generally keep their mouths healthy.
We use our mouths everyday, and any pain or discomfort in our mouths can have a big impact. If you’ve ever had a toothache, then you know just how painful it can be. Even a simple mouth sore can be extremely painful if it’s not treated properly.
Your mouth is a crucial part of your body, and having proper oral hygiene is the key to keeping your mouth healthy.
How can you take care of your mouth?
Keeping your mouth healthy isn’t just about brushing your teeth. It’s also about keeping your tongue, gums, and your entire mouth healthy and strong.
Know how to properly brush your teeth
Brushing your teeth might seem like an easy thing to do, but if you’re not doing it properly then you might have some trouble keeping your mouth clean.
Here are some important reminders from the American Dental Association :
- Use a soft-bristled brush when brushing your teeth and make sure to do it at least twice a day.
- Ideally, you need to replace your toothbrush every three to four months, depending on how frayed the brush is.
- Use fluoride toothpaste to keep your teeth strong and healthy.
When it comes to the proper way of brushing, here are some things to remember:
- Your toothbrush should be at a 45-degree angle against your gums.
- Move your brush back and forth using very short strokes.
- Make sure to brush all of the surfaces of the teeth.
- Don’t forget to brush your tongue since food can also build up on the surface.
- Be sure to floss after brushing your teeth to make sure the spaces in between are clean.
It’s also a good idea to visit your dentist every so often so they can check on your oral health. If you have any cavities, be sure to visit a dentist as soon as possible so they can be filled. Don’t wait until you start suffering from a toothache before visiting your dentist.
Take care of your gums
Your gums are just as important as your teeth when it comes to your oral health. If you neglect to take care of your gums, gingivitis and swollen gums can occur. This can then lead to even more severe gum disease which, if left untreated, can cause bacteria to “eat away” at the bones supporting your teeth.
Having strong and healthy gums helps prevent inflammation and infection and even reduce the risk of heart disease. Hence, proper oral hygiene is important.
Here are some reminders when it comes to taking care of your gums:
- Floss regularly and be sure that you’re brushing your entire mouth.
- Be gentle when brushing your gums as they can easily get inflamed.
- Avoid eating too much sweets because they can affect both your teeth and gums.
- If you’re a smoker, it’s best to quit as soon as possible since smoking can harm your gums.
- Use a mouthwash to help kill the bacteria in your mouth.
- If you see any signs of swelling, redness, bleeding, or inflammation, visit your dentist as soon as possible.
