Oral health

Oral hygiene is one of the most important aspects of a person’s health. The mouth not only acts as a gateway for food, but also for large quantities of micro-organisms and bacteria. Many people do not realize that oral health is not only limited to the mouth, but can also have serious consequences on the body in the form of diabetes and cardiac diseases. So to maintain our general health, it is important that we ensure oral health is one of our top priorities.

The first thing that will come to your mind when oral hygiene is mentioned is brushing. The teeth are probably the most important parts of the mouth, grinding and mixing food with saliva in the first step of digestion. Through brushing, we remove the plaque that builds up one the surface of the teeth that can eventually harden to form tartar, which acts as a breeding ground for bacteria. Also, it helps remove stray pieces of food that might promote bacterial growth that can lead to serious tooth decay and cavities, as well as a variety of gum diseases. Generally, it is recommended that we visit a dentist at least twice a year to have our teeth cleaned professionally, and between the visits, exercise good oral health practices such as brushing at least twice a day and flossing.

Periodontal health

The act of flossing complements brushing, by penetrating the areas that the tooth brush can not access. Dental floss helps to remove any decaying food particles and plaque buildup between the teeth, which can irritate the gums and also cause an increased concentration of acid in the mouth that can demineralize teeth leading to cavities. By flossing at least once a day, usually before brushing, we can increase the effectiveness of toothpaste, which has better access to the gums to prevent gum diseases and help remineralize the teeth.

People usually consider that oral health care ends at brushing and flossing, but there is a lot more to it. An important part of the mouth is the gums, which provide a base for the teeth. Massaging the gums with the tooth brush bristles is a good way to exercise them, increasing blood flow and preventing gum diseases. Flossing also helps by removing the plaque and decomposing food particles that can lead to serious gum diseases like gingivitis.

The tongue is also an important part of the mouth, not only for to help form words, but also to aid digestion. Cleaning the tongue removes the layer of bacteria that resides on the surface, which is the primary cause of bad breath. Some tooth brushes come with specialized surfaces on the back that can be used for cleaning the tongue and are very beneficial for people suffering from bad breath.

An important aspect of oral health care is also the types of food we eat. Citrus fruits are very good for maintain the gums, while a calcium and vitamin D rich diet helps to maintain the teeth. On the other hand, sugary foods such as fizzy drinks and sweets can lead to accelerated tooth decay as well as cavities due to bacteria buildup. So by taking care of what we eat and ensuring that we follow basic oral health guidelines, we can ensure that our mouth remains clean.