It’s time you give your teeth and gums some loving too. Here we have all the facts about the importance of oral hygiene together with some oral health tips so you can have a healthy, happy smile!
But first, let’s start with some disturbing oral health facts.
Dental Health Facts
In the UK, concern for the oral health and general wellbeing of its people is on the rise. While dental diseases such as tooth decay and gum disease are easily preventable, they are still ubiquitous with all ages. In fact according to research:
- Almost 30% of adults have tooth decay
- In children, 23% of 5-year-olds have dental decay
- An astounding 90% of Brits has gum disease, even if only a small area of the mouth
- These numbers result in almost 74% of adults having a tooth extraction
These statistics show only too clearly that many of us take our oral health for granted – and this shouldn’t be the case.
Dental health is one of the pillars for good overall health. Unfortunately, failing to understand the importance of oral health care means these diseases will continue to be rampant.
This article explains more about dental care and the many ways you can keep your teeth healthy and beautiful, not just for Valentine’s Day but for every day of the year.
The Importance of Oral Hygiene
The simple act of reminding yourself to brush your teeth today or schedule a visit to your dentist for a regular dental check-ups can do so much for your smile. In fact, taking your oral health seriously can:
Prevent oral health problems
Home oral health care practices such as daily brushing and rinsing with mouthwash helps to eliminate plaque. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on the teeth after eating or drinking and is laden with bacteria. When plaque lingers, it can kickstart issues such as gum inflammation and bad breath. Having bad breath can ruin a romantic moment, no matter how madly in love you are.
Aside from brushing and flossing at home, visiting your dentist for regular dental check-ups and cleaning can help prevent dental problems such as gum disease. With thorough professional teeth scaling and cleaning, you can wave goodbye to bacteria that may harm your teeth. You know what they say, prevention is better than cure, right?
Help detect early onset of dental diseases
While it’s tempting to avoid visiting a dentist because your teeth look fine and you don’t have toothache, scheduling a dental check-up is like booking your car into the garage for a service.
A dentist will give you a thorough dental examination, inspecting your teeth, gums, and tongue for any underlying health issues such as swelling, dark spots and decayed teeth. Oral health problems like these can cause discomfort, embarrassment, pain, and low self-esteem if they’re ignored.
A dentist is also the person most likely to spot the signs of oral cancer. By visiting your dentist and adopting good oral hygiene measures, you’re also taking care of your overall health.
Early detection means less complicated and costly treatments, so you’re saving yourself money and time in the dentist’s chair. That has to be a win-win situation, right there!
Help you achieve your smile and life goals
Your smile is one of the first things other people notice about you. And with a good oral hygiene routine in place, you can keep your mouth healthy and your teeth clean and bright.
When you have a smile that you love, it boosts confidence, helping you feel more comfortable in social and professional situations.
Improve general health
Oral health and overall health go hand in hand. Did you know for instance that poor oral hygiene is linked to several systemic diseases, including heart disease?
Neglecting dental care causes bacteria to accumulate, resulting in an increased risk of infection. Bacteria from the mouth can travel through the bloodstream to the heart, affecting the valves. This can eventually lead to heart problems.
Uncontrolled diabetes is also a known factor for several oral health problems. High sugar levels encourage bacteria in your mouth to increase, resulting in tooth decay and bleeding gums. Practising good oral hygiene helps manage these problems.
Want to Enhance Your Smile?
If you’re suffering from any of the oral health concerns below, visit your dentist to ensure your mouth is fresh, clean, and irresistibly kissable.
- Stained teeth – A dental clean can make teeth look whiter and cleaner. Need more help? Enquire about a teeth whitening treatment.
- Chipped teeth – Dental bonding is a quick and easy way to achieve a flawless smile
- Bad breath – Professional cleaning will make your breath smell sweet by removing bad odours caused by plaque build-up on the teeth and below the gumline.
Top tips for maintaining oral health
Now you know the importance of oral hygiene for everyone in your family, here are a few tips to help you achieve and maintain a dazzling smile.
Develop proper brushing habits
Incorrect brushing is nearly as bad as not brushing your teeth at all. So follow these handy tips to get it right.
- Brush with fluoride toothpaste to zap bacteria and protect teeth
- Take your time (at least two minutes), gently brushing all surfaces of your teeth with a circular motion. Holding the brush at a 45-degree angle makes it easier to reach all areas. Don’t forget to brush your tongue to keep it clean and floss at least once daily.
- Make it a habit to brush your teeth in the morning and again before going to bed to remove germs and plaque that accumulate throughout the day.
Visit the dentist for check-ups
Regular visits to your dentist will help keep your mouth in tip-top shape. Not only for Valentine’s Day but year-round. So visit your dentist regularly for a check-up and clean. Your mouth will thank you for it.
Replace your toothbrush regularly
Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush that will easily fit easily into your mouth. A brush with a small head is ideal for reaching back (posterior) teeth. Manual brushing is fine, but you might want to consider an electric toothbrush for ease of use and more powerful cleaning. Be sure to change your toothbrush or the head of your electric toothbrush at least every three months or when the bristles are looking worn.
Love drinking water
Water helps hydrate the body, but did you know it’s good for your oral health too? Drinking water periodically through the day and after a meal washes away food particles and rids the mouth of harmful acids that can break down the tooth enamel. Keep a small bottle of water by your side wherever you go.
Good Oral Health Starts Today!
Dental health should always be your priority. And it’s never too late to start whatever your age and wherever you are in life.
Contact Foxbury Dental for gentle and exceptional patient-centred dental care. Call us on 01858 457 175 for a dental visit and let us set you on the path to outstanding oral health.
References:
Oral Health Statistics in the UK
New Statistics on Childhood Tooth Decay Suggest Concerning Lack of Progress
Treatments: Gum Disease
Gum Disease and the Connection to Heart Disease
Diabetes, Gum Disease, & Other Dental Problems