Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body

The mouth is the gateway to the body. Good dental hygiene is an essential part of preventing illness and keeping disease out of the digestive, reproductive and cardiovascular systems. Diseases including periodontal disease and cavities can be prevented by adopting a good hygiene routine.

You should consider having the following steps in your routine:

1. Regular visits to the dentist for dental checkups and cleanings.

2. Proper eating habits and good diet.

3. Proper and regular tooth brushing and flossing techniques.

4. The use of fluoride water or other fluoride treatments like mouthwash or toothpaste.

Regular brushing is probably one of the most important steps you can take towards a healthy mouth because it protects your teeth and gums from everyday food residue, bacteria and stains. It’s advised that you should brush your teeth two or three times a day for optimal results. It is best to brush after each meal to remove any food that may be lodged in your teeth. This also helps to remove particles that can stick to your teeth, causing the buildup of hard plaque. Removing these particles can also prevent halitosis. Halitosis, however, can also be caused by several other factors including a badly decayed tooth, eating certain types of foods like garlic and onions and infections of the tonsils, sinuses or throat.

Flossing is also recommended once or twice a day. This helps to clean the gaps between your teeth. It removes food residue that can break down and cause bad breath and bacteria growth. Never use a toothpick on your teeth as it can cause gaps between your teeth having pushed the gums back, which can expose your gums to bacteria.

Toothpastes or mouthwashes containing fluoride are also recommended. Keep in mind that some water systems have higher concentrations of fluoride so it may not be necessary for you to have this additive. For most people however the added fluoride will help to strengthen the enamel against acidic attack. Too much fluoride can mottle the teeth and cause a debilitating disease called skeletal flourosis. Be sure to check with your dentist; they will have information about water fluoridation in your area.

Finally, the dental check up is a vital part of your health. Get a check up regularly; it is recommended every 6-9 months for most people. Regular exams will help to detect any cavities or periodontal disease; early detection of these issues allows for more efficient and often less expensive treatments to maintain your dental health.