Improve your oral health now
Your oral health is more important than you might realise. Get the facts about how the health of your mouth can affect your general health.
Did you know that problems in your mouth can affect the rest of your body? Experts have long asserted the intimate connection between oral health and overall health and what you can do to protect yourself. Like many areas of the body, your mouth is packed with bacteria and while most of them harmless, good oral health care, such as daily brushing and flossing, can keep these bacteria under control. Without good oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease.
In addition, certain medications — such as decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers and diuretics — can reduce saliva flow. Saliva washes away food and neutralises acids produced by bacteria in the mouth, helping to protect you from problems that might lead to disease.
Here are things you can do now to ensure you maintain good oral health:
Brush at least twice a day. The best time to brush teeth is after meals. Choose a toothbrush with a small head for better access to back teeth. Soft bristles are kinder on your gums. Tooth brushing should take between two and three minutes.
Use fluoridated toothpaste. Fluoride helps to harden tooth enamel and reduces your risk of decay.
Floss your teeth daily. Use a slow and gentle sawing motion.
Limit soft drinks, cordials and fruit juices. Food acids found in these drinks soften tooth material and dissolve the minerals in tooth enamel, causing holes (cavities or caries).
Limit sugary foods. Bacteria in dental plaque change sugars into acids.
Avoid using your teeth for anything other than chewing food. If you use them to crack nuts, remove bottle tops or rip open packaging, you risk chipping or even breaking your teeth.
See your dentist for regular check-ups. You should also visit your dentist if you have a dental problem such as a toothache or bleeding gums.