Guest Post: Helen Brandford

Taking proper care of your teeth and oral health, in general, is more important than you might realize. If you take a good care of your teeth, gums, and mouth, it will influence your overall health. A problem with your mouth can affect the rest of your body, therefore it is extremely important to become aware that oral care matters.

There is nothing more beautiful than an attractive person with a million dollar smile! But having beautiful teeth is not enough; you should also pay attention to your oral health in order to keep your teeth strong and healthy for many years to come. Neglecting your mouth and oral hygiene can lead to paradontopathy or paradentosis, a periodontal disease that in the advanced stage can lead to teeth loss.

The importance of daily brushing and flossing

Your mouth is teeming with (mostly harmless) bacteria just like many areas of your body. There is nothing to worry about because the body’s natural defenses and proper care of oral hygiene such as daily brushing and flossing can keep the bacteria under control whereas without proper care, harmless bacteria might lead to oral infections such as gum disease or tooth decay.

Pay more attention to certain medication

Also, certain medication can reduce saliva flow, which is a bad thing since saliva actually washes away food remains and neutralizes acids that bacteria produce and therefore protect your mouth from various diseases. If you take decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers, diuretics and antidepressants you should take extra care of your oral health since these medications are the ones that reduce saliva.

Health conditions linked to oral hygiene

Several health conditions may be linked to your oral hygiene and without proper care your oral health might even contribute to various diseases such as endocarditis, or other cardiovascular diseases. Endocarditis is a serious infection of the inner lining of your heart that is called endocardium and occurs when germs and bacteria spread through your bloodstream. They attach to your heart, i.e. damaged areas and cause the infection. It might happen that bad oral hygiene helps the bacteria get into your bloodstream and might even be linked to the clogged arteries and even strokes.

The proper oral care

So how to protect your teeth, mouth and gums? Alaska Dental Associates family dentistry in Anchorage naming the whole bunch of tips, but first you should is to schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings and try not to skip or move the dates. If you check your teeth regularly, chances are you will avoid the problems before a toothache starts.

According to our friend, the family friendly dentist serving Wentworth Point, you should practice good oral hygiene everyday and that means brushing teeth at least twice a day with quality fluoride toothpaste. Also make a routine to floss after brushing with unflavoured dental floss and replace your toothbrush every three to four month or sooner. Invest in quality oral health care products such as extra soft brushes that are a bit more expensive but better for brushing properly. Pay attention to how you move the toothbrush while brushing, do it slowly (for at least three minutes) and thoroughly. It is best to change the toothpaste frequently as well because the bacteria in your mouth can get used to a certain toothpaste and cause oral health problems.  

Pay attention to what you eat, avoid sugars and unhealthy foods. Limit snacks between meals and if you eat seed or the food often gets stuck between your teeth, find time to floss after every meal. You should avoid tobacco use and minimize the amount of coffee you drink since it affects the look and health of your teeth.

Becoming aware of the health conditions linked to the bad oral hygiene is crucial if you happen to skip a dentist appointment or two and take oral health lightly. Follow these simple tips to ensure you are taking proper care of your mouth, gums and that you brush the right way to avoid serious health conditions.