A pleasing smile is an asset that can make you more confident and bold. It’s the health of your teeth and gums that contributes to a healthy smile. But most of the people are quite unaware of how important it is to preserve the health of teeth and gums and how it adds to the overall health of a person. This could also be the reason why there are millions of people in India who suffer from acute dental problems.
Why dental care?
It is true that personal cleanliness and hygiene can in a way help to combat oral problems. But some general awareness about dental care would do a great deal to maintain the health of teeth and gums and prevent dental diseases and other related complications.
What can be done for good oral health?
As we all know, oral care comprises of a set of practices that starts with –
- Brushing- We all know that brushing refers to the cleaning of teeth with the help of a toothbrush and paste. But that’s not completely true. Brushing is the process of cleaning your teeth, gums, tongue and roof of the mouth. Toothpaste and toothbrush should be of good quality. Spending a lot of time with your brush isn’t actually cleaning. Don’t exert too much pressure on your teeth and form circular strokes using a soft- bristled brush. Brushing cleans the mouth and improves oral blood circulation. It’s better if done twice a day.
- Flossing- Flossing is an important dental practice, sometimes more than brushing. It is the process of using floss or a soft thread to clean in between the teeth. The tiny space between teeth cannot be reached with a brush. Hold the floss firmly with both the hands and slowly slip it to the gum between the teeth to clean it. Be careful not to harm the gums. This helps to prevent the accumulation of dregs between teeth and thereby fights tooth decay and foul breath.
What modifications in food habits can be effected to maintain oral health?
Add plenty of fruits and vegetables to your diet and drink ample amount of water after each meal. Avoid food items that contain high content of sugar and oil. This creates plaque; increases tooth decay and bad breath. Make it a point to stay away from snacks at night since it could lead to the formation of cavities. Abstain from alcohol and tobacco to prevent tooth discoloration and damage. Certain carbonated and artificially sweetened drinks available in the market contain chemicals and acids harmful to teeth as well as stomach. Replace it with homely drinks as far as possible.
If you are all set to take a few minutes daily to take care of your teeth and gums, you could relieve yourself from serious tooth diseases in future. If you think its ok to compromise with dental care practices, it’s a big mistake. Though you may consider it tedious, be happy with the thought that you are making the right move to a better and healthy smile. Remember that a stitch in time saves nine.
