How to Take Care of Your Oral Health

Most people know that they should brush their teeth and floss regularly; however, maintaining good oral hygiene is often neglected.

14:13 17 May 2021

Bad oral health can lead to pain, tooth loss, tooth decay, and even gum disease. Here are a few pointers to help you take care of your oral health.

 

Regular Brushing

 

The NHS recommends that people brush their teeth twice a day for approximately two minutes with toothpaste. For adults, toothpaste should contain at least 1,350 parts per million (ppm) fluoride, and all surfaces of the teeth should be brushed for optimum oral hygiene. After brushing your teeth, it is important to refrain from rinsing the mouth out with water directly after brushing your teeth. It may feel tempting but rinsing immediately can wash away the remaining fluoride, and this can reduce its effect to prevent tooth decay.

 

Daily Flossing

 

Many people floss only when they feel food in between their teeth. However, you should floss at least once a day before brushing your teeth. Not only can flossing regularly reduce bad breath, but it can also reduce gum disease too. Instead of floss, you can use an interdental brush or a single-tufted brush.

 

Schedule in a Dental Checkup

 

The best preventative method to look after your oral health is to schedule in a regular dental checkup. A dentist can detect changes in your oral health and identify issues. Problems that have been detected early are easier to treat. In general, most people should attend a dental check-up every 1 to 2 years. However, be prepared to go to the dentists more often if you have experienced bad oral hygiene.

 

Same Day Teeth

 

Same day teeth is a term reserved for people who need to remove some, or all, of their teeth. A 4 to 6 denial implant per arch is inserted, and a fixed, temporary bridge is then secured to the implants. At the end of a dental session, individuals walk away with fixed teeth. Temporary bridges are replaced between 3 to 6 months with a permanent bridge. People require same-day teeth due to missing teeth or teeth in bad condition due to deterioration, breakdown, and disease. The Denture & Implant Clinic offers this service, in addition to dentures and implants. For more information, visit thedentureclinic.co.uk.

 

Reduce Your Sugar Intake

 

A healthy diet can have a huge impact on oral health. Free sugars can cause tooth decay and cavities. Free sugars include sugars that are added to food or drinks and naturally occurring sugars such as those in natural syrups, honey, and fruit juice. Reducing the amount of sugar you eat and drink can help keep your teeth healthy. Experts state that people should limit their sugar intake to below 10 percent of their daily calories.

 

Consider Less Starchy Foods

 

In addition, consuming starchy foods is also linked to tooth decay. These foods include bread, pasta, and crackers. The reason is that starchy foods tend to linger in the mouth and then break down into simple sugars. In turn, acid-producing bacteria feed on these simple sugars and then cause tooth decay. A healthy alternative to starchy foods are fibre-rich vegetables and fruits.