Good oral health always starts with keeping your teeth and mouth clean. It is recommended that we brush twice a day for at least two minutes each time. Flossing and/or cleaning between our teeth to remove stubborn bits of food debris will also help keep teeth in top tip condition. Most important however, is remembering to visit your dentist regularly. Good oral health will help control problems such as halitosis (bad breath), gum disease and tooth decay.
There are many causes of halitosis and we all get it from time to time. Everyday things such as drinking coffee or alcohol or smoking are major causes of bad breath. Tooth decay or food trapped between your teeth can also make your breath less than sweet. Other things such as mouth ulcers, throat or chest infections can also have an effect. Brushing and flossing will help, remembering to clean all of your mouth including your tongue. If you suffer from bad breath, then a good mouthwash may also help by killing the bacteria that cause it.
Gum disease, also known as gingivitis, is more common that you might think. It is caused by a build up of plaque and bacteria, which, if not removed by brushing can lead to all sorts of problems, including receding gums and halitosis. Symptoms include redness and swelling of the gums and bleeding from mouth when brushing. Gum disease can be avoided by good oral health, including brushing and flossing. If you have any problems such as bleeding or swelling on the gum line, then you should visit your dentist for advice.
It is a well known fact that tooth enamel is one of the hardest substances in the body, but this does not mean that it is impervious to damage and decay. Tooth decay (or dental caries) is what causes cavities. It is caused by a plaque bacteria which can, over time erode tooth enamel and produce small holes. If left untreated, bacteria continues to forge its way deeper and deeper into the tooth causing pain and even abscesses. Regular visits to the dentist can help detect cavities and get them filled and treated before they become a problem.
We all want to have the perfect smile and good oral health, including a good dental care regime can help us achieve this. It takes less than 10 minutes a day to take care of our teeth properly. Use a good fluoride toothpaste and make sure you have a good tooth brush. If you can, invest in an electric toothbrush. Not only are they more effective than manual brushing but they often measure the correct brushing time for you. Remember to clean all surfaces on your teeth, front back, chewing surface and the sides with interdental brushes or floss.
Smoking, drinking coffee or red wine can leave your teeth with permanent staining. Whitening toothpastes can help keep it in check but can only go so far. If you want to achieve a whiter than white smile then talk to your dentist who will be able to advise you on the different methods of teeth whitening and their suitability for you.
