One of the keys to great overall health is oral health. The importance of oral health is often overlooked, with the misunderstanding that the only thing it really means is a nice-looking smile.
But dental health is so much more than that. And it’s even more than avoiding dental decay, gum disease and bad breath – it is strongly linked with all sorts of other medical problems, including heart attack, stroke, diabetes and more.
So how do you get that healthy mouth you are seeking? It’s called dental hygiene – and it’s a two-way street.
Once you have that full set of adult teeth, that is all mother nature is going to give you – and a lot of the life-long habits you need to keep that set of teeth healthy for life are already long set by then.
As we said, dental hygiene is a two-way street. What do we mean? We mean it’s a hand-in-hand partnership between you and trusted dental professionals.
Let’s explore further:
1. Brushing
We’re talking about keeping those teeth clean. This means brushing at least twice a day – and brushing properly with the correct technique, involving not only the teeth but the gums. Flossing is also a great habit, to get rid of those food particles that brushing can miss, and bear in mind that it’s not just your teeth you want to clean, but your entire mouth – so don’t forget about your tongue.
2. Lifestyle
Now we’re talking about things like tobacco, soft drinks, coffee and alcohol – and a mindfulness about how these have an impact on your dental hygiene, including discoloration, decay and gum disease. If you are going to replace them with anything, consider milk – containing calcium – or water, which has a cleansing effect and will also hydrate your body.
3. Your dentist
When it comes to maintaining dental hygiene, this is where your friendly dentist at the Pain Free Dental Clinic comes in. You should be having regular checkups – at least a couple of times a year – so that your dental hygiene can be checked and maintained from a professional point of view.
Your dentist will fully examine your teeth and mouth, perhaps even taking x-rays to detect existing problems and prevent others from occurring in the future.
4. Being mindful
If you have a sore tooth or mouth or notice any other symptoms in and around your gums, don’t ignore them! Catching problems early is a major key to maintaining dental hygiene and health, because your dentist can diagnose and correct these little issues before they turn into big ones!
And it’s not just pain and symptoms you need to be watching out for. Even if you have crowded or crooked teeth, this can affect your dental hygiene as well, leading to gum disease, infections, teeth that may need to be removed – and worse. Remember: a great looking smile is not just for looks!
That two-way street for dental hygiene
Your hand-in-hand partnership with dental professionals like Pain Free Dental Clinic is crucial for maintaining long-term dental hygiene. Never forget that prevention is always better than a cure, which means caring for your dental health at home, at the clinic, and constantly learning more – and then maintaining those good tips and habits.
