How often do you think about your oral health? When was the last time you sat down and had a proper look at your gums? The unfortunate truth is that millions of people neglect their teeth and gums all around the world, and it leads to a whole range of problems that could have been avoided with a few simple gestures and a better routine. Here are 10 ways you can protect your mouth from any negative symptoms and spot the signs when you need intervention.
Get the Right Toothbrush
There are three qualities that every great toothbrush shares:
- A small head
- Soft bristles
- Electric power
Electric toothbrushes aren’t for everyone, and they are arguably expensive compared to manual ones. However, if you really want to enhance your oral health routine, this is the first big change to make. Small heads make it easier for a toothbrush to reach where it needs to go, and soft bristles are important so the cleaning process doesn’t cause unnecessary damage inside the mouth.
Pick Your Toothpaste Wisely
The toothpaste you use is important too. There are hundreds of products out there on the shelves of supermarkets, pharmacies, and general shops, but do you really know what you’re supposed to be buying? Too many people make this vital purchase based on price, not on function, and while you can get perfectly good toothpaste at a lower price, this shouldn’t be the defining criterion. Instead, think about age group, gum condition, teeth color, and general sensitivity factors too, and go from there. Your dentist will always have a recommendation if you become really stuck with the decision.
Don’t Neglect the Whole Routine
Once you have the right brush and the right paste, it is time to think about what else makes for a great hygiene ritual. It is highly recommended that you floss and use mouthwash, but there is a technique to observe. Flossing can cause bleeding and be off-putting if you are a first-timer or you’re not sure how to handle it. Try these tips to help you get started.
- Avoid snapping the floss between teeth, as this will be painful and cause problems.
- Start at the bottom (gums) and work your way up (tooth).
- Move the floss at least five times in each area.
- Consider using an electric/water flosser if your confidence just isn’t there.
Invest In Cosmetic Treatments
A private cosmetic dentistry clinic can do many things for your oral health, including a deep clean service and even gap-filling procedures. When people think of cosmetic practices, they may automatically assume it is all Botox and smile adjusters. While these services will absolutely be available, there are more health-focused procedures too as mentioned above that you just don’t have access to in a non-private establishment.
The fact is, oral health is tied to many things, and you need to look at the bigger picture to understand how it all fits in. A private clinician can help you on this journey, so the next time you are due for a check-up, consider making it with an independent practice instead to explore all the options.
Check Your Mouth Every Day
Problems often sneak in when you don’t pay attention and neglecting your mouth is the easiest way to become a victim of this. Make sure you look in the mirror and shine a torch in there every day to check the condition of your gums and teeth and see that you have brushed, flossed, and rinsed sufficiently too.
Know When You Have a Problem
This will be the easiest way to learn when you do have a problem that needs to be taken care of. Big warning signs that something is not quite right inside your mouth include bleeding or receding gums, foul breath that won’t go away, a discolored tongue, and an overly dry mouth.
Eat and Drink Well
While you may be hoping it was a myth, sugary foods, and sugary drinks are the worst thing in the world for your teeth and gums. It is impossible to keep a healthy routine and protect your mouth if you consume food and drinks with high sugar content every single day. It is one of the leading causes of tooth decay because of how it interacts with pre-existing mouth plaque and produces a higher amount of acid in the teeth. This is dangerous and will lead to oral problems if you combine it with a subpar cleaning routine and a lack of engagement.
Don’t Smoke
Of course, smoking is also one of the worst things you can do for your teeth and gums. Smoking cigarettes and having tobacco and nicotine inside your body is one of the fastest ways to exacerbate problems like gum disease and tooth loss. It not only stains your teeth, but it recedes gums and causes bad breath, and it is impossible to counteract until you quit and quit for good.
Think About Sleep Habits
How often do you think about the ways your sleep impacts your oral health? It seems like a strange link to make, but it isn’t. Things like teeth grinding, snoring, and insomnia all have an impact on the overall health of your mouth and can cause major problems if they are not assessed and treated. There are lots of products that can help, such as mouth guards and nose strips, but it is up to you and your dentist to figure out what’s appropriate and move from there.
Don’t Give Up
There is a lot to think about when it comes to making your teeth happy and healthy. It can be overwhelming, but it is important to not give up. As soon as you start neglecting the routine, things go wrong. There is no room for forgetfulness or flexibility. This is just one of those jobs that has to happen every day (twice a day).
Protecting your oral health is one of the best things you can do for your body. It is so heavily tied to other physical things like cardiovascular health and general well-being that it is not something you should ever neglect. Follow these tips and stay in control.
