ORAL HEALTH CARE

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.

1.         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.

1. 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.
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3.      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.