Oral health is much more than only “oral health”. If you think that oral health only covers teeth, gums, tongue, and the upper throat, etc., you are living with a myth. It is much more than your mouth. Your oral health is directly or indirectly linked with almost every vital organ of your body. If you are not maintaining good oral hygiene, or you’re ignoring your oral problems, you may suffer from some serious illness.
Taking care of your oral health will also ensure better physical and mental health. Your mouth is the entrance of the whole of your health, and if it is healthy, there are high chances that your physical and mental health is also okay.
Here are some tips on how to improve your health by taking care of your teeth.
Brush your teeth, thoroughly, at least twice a day:
Although, morning is usually the most preferred time for brushing. But you should brush your teeth after every meal. If you can’t do that, brush them at least twice a day. Brush your teeth thoroughly ensuring that each tooth is covered.
Toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles are best for people of almost all ages. If you can get toothpaste with fluoride, that’s even better, as fluoride strengthens the teeth enamel and reduces the risk of tooth decay.
Floss your teeth at least once daily:
Tiny food particles may remain between the teeth even after brushing and can make your teeth and gums unhealthy. You should floss your teeth at least once daily to avoid such problems.
Reduce the intake of acidic drinks:
Acidic drinks are extremely harmful for your health. Regular intake of them can cause a lot of health problems, including tooth decay, swelling and sensitivity of gums, cracked or broken teeth, and periodontitis etc. In severe cases, the teeth may even get “eaten” down to the gums. So, if you are taking high amount of acidic drinks, start limiting them to ensure good oral health.
Limit Sugary Foods:
A high intake of sugary foods is harmful to your health in a lot of ways. They can cause dental plaque which changes sugars into acids. Speedy conversion of sugars into acids can cause mild to severe problems including acidity, heartburn, injuries to the internal intestinal walls, etc.
So, if you want to ensure good oral health, limit your sugar intake.
Protect your teeth from injury:
Injury to your teeth can be extremely dangerous in a lot of ways. It can be responsible for some other health issues as well. So, protect your teeth in the best possible way, especially when you playing a sport. Wearing a full-face helmet or mouthguard can be helpful.
Your teeth are only for chewing foods:
Always remember that your teeth are only for chewing food items. If you use them for removing bottle tops, cracking nuts, or opening packaging, you may have chipped or broken teeth.
Don’t throw out the knocked-out tooth:
If you suffer from an injury, and your tooth is knocked out, try to keep it safely. If possible, try to place the it back in your mouth while seeking immediate medical attention. If keeping it back in mouth is not possible, wrap the tooth properly in plastic and take it while going to your dentist.
Go for a regular dental check-up:
Try to visit your dentist regularly, even if you don’t have dental problems. It will help you to take care of your teeth in a more professional manner.
Taking care of your oral health is very important in every aspect. As we have already discussed, oral health is interlinked with your overall physical and mental health. If you feel even a minor problem to your oral cavity, don’t ignore it and get proper medical attention.