Even though everybody has heard of oral hygiene and they know that it is important, a lot of people don’t know why it is important and how to go about ensuring it. Most people brush their teeth without knowing how to brush their teeth and what good will come out of it. Yes, it makes the teeth clean and shiny. Yes, it removes all the debris that has accumulated in our mouths. But what else does it do? What other benefits are there of keeping your mouth and your teeth clean?
Oral hygiene is imperative for a lot of reasons including the build-up of plaque, tartar as well as keeping all types of diseases at bay. These may be dental diseases like periodontal disease or dental caries or it can be halitosis. What most people don’t know is that oral hygiene is paramount if you want to stay away from heart disease and a lot of other ailments that apparently have nothing to do with the teeth, gums or the mouth. So, you can find the best dentist there is in Sydney or the most experienced dentist Brisbane has ever seen, go see your dentist now!
Our eating habits have changed drastically over the last decade. We are consuming more and more junk food and sodas and that has led to a dental crisis. According to a study, almost half of the adults who are 30 and more have some sort of periodontal disease. It may be mild or it may be severe, but it is there.
What to Do?
It is still not too late. There are a lot of things that people can do to make sure that their oral hygiene is up to the mark and prevent all sorts of diseases. There are a plethora of dental care products out there that they can use to not only enhance their dental hygiene but also take care of the dental problems that they are facing. By utilizing these products, people can get rid of and prevent future situations involving plaque, tartar, gingivitis, and everything else. if people have teeth that have a permanent yellowish tinge, they can even get their teeth whitened.
These products include everything from electric toothbrushes to floss and oral irrigating devices. There are also topical therapies that include fluoride and other ingredients that help us maintain our oral health. Many of these products are available without the need for a doctor’s prescription and you can get them from any mart or grocery store. Just visit your friendly neighbourhood dentist and they will guide you towards the best possible options for your teeth, gums, and mouth.
Now let’s see some of the reasons why oral hygiene is so important for you and your loved ones.
Periodontal Disease
The mildest form of periodontal disease is called gingivitis. Even though gingivitis itself is a serious affliction, it is reversible and you can get rid of it easily. But if you leave it as it is and don’t do anything about it, it can turn into a severe and serious case of periodontal disease. If left for too long, it can become irreversible. Periodontal disease can really damage your teeth and the structure that is supporting your teeth. It can play havoc with your soft tissue. This is one of the major reasons for people who are around 45 years of age, losing their teeth and reporting gum problems. And that is not all. If periodontal disease is left unchecked, it can invite a host of other health issues and add to your misery. These can be anything from a stroke, diabetes, CVD, etc. Periodontal disease has also been known to affect babies and their weight at birth.
Some Signs of Periodontal Disease
- Your teeth change positions
- You see blood after brushing your teeth or flossing them.
- You see blood after eating something hard.
- Continuous bad breath from your mouth.
- Your dentures keep getting loose
- You see pus between your teeth or in your gums
- Your gums ache for no apparent reason
- Your gums become tender and show tenderness or redness
- You lose your teeth or your teeth get separated
If you are seeing any of these symptoms then you should immediately make an appointment with your dental care specialist. There are things that you can do to prevent periodontal disease like brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly.
Dental Caries
Another common ailment that is directly the result of bad oral hygiene is dental caries. According to studies, around 20 per cent of children suffer from dental caries in some form or another and many cases go untreated.
The main reason people suffer from dental caries is the accumulation of plaque in their teeth. Regular brushing of the teeth and flossing can ensure that it never happens. There are various rinses that you can use to get rid of dental caries as well by removing any plaque or tartar that is lodged between your teeth.
Halitosis
If you don’t take care of your oral hygiene, it could lead to continuous bad breath or as it is called halitosis. A lot of people lose their confidence and the ability to socialize because of this problem. Unlike other oral diseases, halitosis is immediately recognizable and the others can smell it. There are a lot of reasons why people suffer from halitosis. They could be smoking or the use of tobacco and consuming alcohol. It can even be caused by xerostomia which is the condition of having a dry mouth. There are certain types of foods that can be the cause of halitosis. When food particles get stuck in your gums or in between your teeth, they cause the bad breath.
The same as above, using floss regularly and brushing your teeth at least twice a day can get rid of this problem in its initial stage. Use a toothbrush that can get to even the most inaccessible parts of your mouth and use a rinse to make sure that there is no plaque in your teeth.
Usually, this is enough to get rid of halitosis but if the problem persists then it is time for you to see your dentist and see what the reason behind it is. Halitosis can bring down the quality of your life and affect your social interactions.
Canker Sores
Another ailment that is due to bad oral hygiene is canker sores. These are small sores inside your mouth that damage and discomfort your mouth. They are usually white with a red border or they can be grey with a red border. They can last for a few days to weeks.
Conclusion
As far as oral hygiene is concerned, you have to take it seriously and make sure that you don’t ignore the symptoms that spell trouble. Visit your dentist regularly to ensure that there are no problems in your mouth or with your teeth and your gums.