3 min read
Oral health is an essential part of overall health and should be taken care of equally as we do the rest of our body. Poor oral health not only leads to dental decay, gum problems, bad breath but it has also been linked to heart problems, diabetes, and cancer.
As we know, prevention is always better, here we have 8 ways how you can keep your teeth and gums healthy.
1 BRUSHING PROPERLY
Brushing twice a day after meals is important, but using the correct technique and timing is what makes the difference, making your oral hygiene routine more effective.
2 DRINKING WATER
Drinking water benefits your overall health which includes oral health.
Some of these benefits include:
- Water keeps your mouth hydrated and prevents dry mouth.
- It also ensures the production of saliva which protects the teeth
- Washes away any food particles in your mouth
- It helps to dilute the acid in your mouth, which in turn helps prevent tooth decay.
3 LIMITING THE INTAKE OF SUGARY DRINKS AND FOODS
The sugars we consume ultimately convert to acid in our mouth, which if not cleaned properly can lead to dental decay. So, limiting the intake of sugary drinks and foods like sweets, chocolates, soft drinks can help reduce the risk of tooth decay.
4 FIBER RICH DIET
The link between a high fiber diet and better oral health has been recognized by a number of studies.
A high fiber diet helps keep your teeth and gums clean by increasing saliva production, which acts as a natural defense against teeth and gum problems.
High fiber foods include carrots, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, whole-grain foods, beans, legumes, etc.
5 AVOID SMOKING AND TOBACCO PRODUCTS
Smoking can have a negative impact on your oral health. Smokers are six times more likely to develop gum, periodontal disease, and oral cancer than non-smokers.
Other than that smoking can stain your teeth to yellow and cause bad breath.
6 REDUCE IN BETWEEN SNACKING
Whenever you eat or drink anything, the mouth starts to break it down. The bacteria present in the mouth then produce acid as a byproduct, which can demineralize the enamel of the tooth. But, saliva acts as the body’s natural defense and helps neutralize the acids in the mouth and start the process of remineralization.
This is why, when you snack frequently especially on high calorie, sugary, and sticky foods, there is a constant supply of acids more than which the saliva can neutralize, which can lead to cavitation.
So remember, it is not the amount of sugar that causes tooth decay, but the frequency of it which is taken.
7 AVOID USING YOUR TEETH FOR ANYTHING OTHER THAN CHEWING FOOD
Many of us unconsciously chew on pencils, pens, or other objects. Some use the teeth to crack nuts, tear packages or remove bottle tops. These habits cause a lot of pressure on the teeth which can lead to chipping or fracture of the teeth over time.
8 REGULAR CHECKUPS
It is always better to prevent problems. So a regular visit to the dentist can help you identify any problem earlier making your treatment easier.
M- Poor oral health has also been linked to heart problems, diabetes, and cancer. Here we have 10 ways how you can keep your teeth and gums healthy.