The Necessity of Dental Hygiene

Image from Babylon Dental Care

Achieving healthy teeth requires a lifetime of care hence, maintenance of dental hygiene becomes of utmost importance. Having glossy and white teeth is not enough, taking the right steps on a daily basis is crucial too for attaining overall dental health and prevent teeth and gum-related issues. All the above requires using the appropriate dental product and getting rid of unhealthy habits that might affect it. 

Risk of Dental Problems

Your mouth is the entry pathway for respiratory and digestive tracts. Like any other body organ, a lot of bacteria thrives in your mouth, and thus it can reach other body organs through this pathway. 

Normally, our saliva washes away food and neutralizes acid, and has the ability to naturally defense against mouth bacteria and microbes. However, lack of proper oral care is hard to keep bacteria under control. Such bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease. 

Dentists explained that thriving mouth bacteria can lead to periodontics associated with a severe form of gum inflammation HIV/AIDS reduces the overall resistance to body infections hence leading to severe oral health problems. 

Related diseases associated with Oral health

Unhealthy oral health conditions might lead to severe diseases and problems such as:

• Dental cavities: Cavities are minor holes on the surface of your teeth caused by thriving bacteria called  Streptococcus mutans creating acids out of glucose. They form a sticky film called plaque which further erodes teeth enamel. Once the acid damage spreads into the dentin layer underneath the enamel, a cavity forms

Image from Southfield family dental center

• Cardiovascular diseases: Although it is difficult to create a direct link, reports suggest that heart disease, clogged arteries, and stroke might be associated with the inflammation and infections that oral bacteria can cause.

• Endocarditis: It is a type of infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers or valves or endocardium that typically happens when bacteria or other germs and microbes from another part of the body, such as your mouth, spread through your bloodstream and attach to certain areas in your heart.

• Pneumonia: Certain bacteria from your mouth can be drawn into your body especially lungs causing pneumonia and other respiratory diseases. 

• Pregnancy and birth complications: Periodontitis has been associated with premature birth and low birth weight of the infant

There are also certain health conditions that might affect your oral health. Such as:

• Diabetes: Patients with diabetes have reduced resistance to infections hence puts your gums at greater risks. These gum infections and dental problems are more frequent in diabetic patients. 

• Inversely it has been recorded that people with diabetes have a tougher time controlling blood sugar levels. Although, regular periodontal care can improve diabetes control.

• Osteoporosis: This disease weakens bone strength and is associated with periodontal bone loss and tooth loss. Certain medicines that are given to treat osteoporosis can affect the bones of the jaws.

• Alzheimer’s Disease: As Alzheimer’s increases with age, oral problems also increase.

• HIV/AIDS: Painful mucosal lesions are commonly found in HIV/AIDS patients.

Other health conditions that might be associated with oral health include rheumatoid arthritis, eating disorders, cancers, and an immune system disorder that causes dry mouth named Sjogren's syndrome.

Ways to keep your teeth and gum healthy:

1. Brush your teeth daily before going to bed: Brushing teeth before night sleep is extremely crucial to stop the growth of oral bacteria and plaque that accumulates all through the day. Ideally one should brush twice a day. 

Image from Westermeier Martin Dental Care

2. Brush properly: Most of the time, we do not properly brush every corner of our mouth inside in a rush. This leaves scope for bacterial growth. Thus, taking out time for brushing is necessary. Use a soft toothbrush, move your brush gently in a circular motion. Unremoved plaque buildup might lead to gingivitis. 

3. Don’t neglect your tongue: Plaque can also build up on your tongue with might lead to bad mouth odor. Gently brush your tongue to remove plaque and to avoid related oral problems.

4. Using Fluoride toothpaste: It is more important to look up the ingredients of the toothpaste rather than whitening properties. Fluoride helps reducing tooth decay thus making your teeth and gums stronger. It fights germs that thrive in your gums acting as a protective barrier for your teeth. 

5. Teeth flossing: Brushing and flossing of teeth going hand in hand. It not only brings out the little pieces of food that get stuck in between the teeth but also stimulates blood vessels of your gum

6. Drink water frequently: Of course, we know how drinking water benefits our health but also it helps in washing away food that gets stuck reducing the risk of microbial growth. 

7. Limit acidic and sugary food: High sugar and acid-containing food like carbonates erode the enamel of your teeth. Acidic fruits, teas, and coffee can also wither down your tooth enamel. It is was doctors recommend to avoid consuming cold drinks and sweet chewing gums. 

8. Visit your dentist at least twice a year: Checkups are important. There might be mild symptoms of any kind of oral disease which are generally neglected if it doesn’t cause pain. You should visit more often if you are aged or if you have past dental problems. 

9. Vitamin D: Consuming Vitamin D is necessary for your body to absorb calcium and phosphorus Children having sufficient vitamin D in their bodies are less prone to cavities. 

10. Oil pulling: It is an ancient practice of squishing around oils like sesame or coconut oils for about 15 to 20 minutes. It effectively removes toxins from your mouth and works just as effectively as chlorhexidine mouthwash. 

Image from Naenae dental clinic

Conclusion: 

Dental hygiene is important for overall physical well-being. It is necessary to follow the above mentions steps regularly and checkups are a must. Reducing cavities and germ growth should be the goal in order to maintain proper dental hygiene. The use of appropriate dental products prescribes by doctors needs to be checked. Do not ignore any unusual signs in and around your might as may result as a symptom of oral disease. 

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