Oral Health
care
How to prevent dental diseases and to keep your mouth
healthy?
-The most important thing you can do to maintain good oral
health, to reduce the risk of developing tooth decay periodontal disease and
many of the other diseases.
Developing good dental health habits is the best way to
prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
- Brush after eating
Get into a routine of brushing and flossing. Remove plaque
by brushing your teeth at least twice a day for about 2 minutes with fluoride-containing
toothpaste, in the morning and at night especially before going to bed and
floss once a day.
- 2. Use a toothbrush
with soft, rounded-end bristles and a head that is small enough to
reach all parts of your teeth and mouth. Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4
months.
- Use fluoride
toothpaste. Some fluoride toothpastes also offer tartar control, to
promote healthy tooth development in children and to strengthen your teeth.
4. Brush your tongue from back to front.
Some people put some toothpaste or mouthwash on their toothbrush when they do
this. Brushing your tongue helps remove plaque, which can cause bad breath and
help bacteria grow. Some toothbrushes now have a specific brush to use for your
tongue.
5. 5. Floss daily
Floss at least once a day. The type of floss you use is not
important. Choose the type and flavor that you like best.
6. 6. Eat healthy diet
Good nutrition is vital to maintaining healthy gums and
avoiding tooth decay.
Eat a balanced diet that includes whole grains, vegetables,
and fruits and is low in saturated fat and sodium, cheese, peanuts, yogurt,
milk, and these make great after-meal snacks.
Avoid foods that contain a lot of sugar, especially sticky,
sweet foods like. The longer sugar stays in contact with your teeth, the more
damage the sugar will do.
Do not snack before bedtime, because food left on the teeth
is more likely to cause cavities at night.
Saliva production decreases while
you sleep, so saliva does not clean the mouth well during sleeping hours.
Sugar-free chewing gum (especially gum that contains
Xylitol) is good for your teeth. They help clear your mouth of harmful sugars
and protect against plaque.
7.
Mouth
rinse containing fluoride can help prevent tooth decay, according to
the Indian Dental Association.
8.
It is also important to stop using tobacco products.
Using any tobacco product makes
it more likely you will have mouth cancer or gum disease (periodontal disease). Using tobacco can also delay healing after you have a tooth pulled or other
surgery on your teeth or mouth. Tobacco use also causes bad breath and stains
your teeth and tongue.
9.
Visit
your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exam.
-Check your teeth, gums and mouth regularly. If you notice
any problem with your mouth or teeth plan to see a dentist as soon as you can.
-Your dentist may suggest about use of supplemental
fluoride, which strengthens your teeth.
-Your dentist may check whether your teeth require dental
sealants (a plastic protective coating) applied to the chewing surfaces of your
back teeth (molars) to protect them from decay.
By regular dental
check-ups:
-Prevents tooth decay and gum (periodontal) disease, which
can damage gum tissue and the bones that support teeth, and in the long term
can lead to the loss of teeth.
-Shortens the treatment time with the dentist, and makes the
trip more pleasant.
-Saves money by preventing tooth decay and gum disease, you
can reduce the need for fillings and other costly procedures
-Helps prevent bad breath.
Brushing and flossing to get rid
your mouth of the bacteria that cause bad breath.
-Helps to keep teeth whiter by preventing staining from
food, drinks, and tobacco.
-Improves overall health and makes it possible for your teeth to last a
lifetime.
DR.RENJU T GEORGE,
INDIA.
