Healthy Smile, Healthy You: The Importance of Good Oral Health

A smile is a powerful mean of communication worldwide as it transcends all known barriers. An adorable smile on our faces can open many doors for us, but it can also reveal a lot about our habits and lifestyle. Mouth full of decaying teeth and bad breath, on the other hand, will not get us very far on the social ladder, and most importantly, will indicate some other health issues connected to poor oral health. Surveys conducted by ADA find that an alarming number of people are unaware of the consequences of poor oral hygiene as well as the basics of proper oral care. Read on to learn more about the importance of good oral health. 

A healthy mouth will keep you healthy

Common oral health problems can occur in many forms, from mild to severe. From mild gingivitis to troubling periodontitis, cavities, and halitosis, these are all oral health issues that can be prevented or taken care of in an early stage. In addition to that, oral diseases can significantly contribute to other health issues like diabetes, heart disease and even cause clogged arteries and stroke. 

Floss your way to a healthy smile

Although you brush your teeth regularly, consider using dental floss to remove build up plaque between your teeth. More important, make sure to floss before brushing, since toothbrush cannot clean your teeth as thoroughly as good dental floss. Floss your teeth starting with gum line and clean every side of each tooth. Flossing once a day will tremendously improve the health of your gums and teeth. 

Brush your teeth twice a day

Using a toothbrush twice a day is ideal for your mouth.  There is no need to brush after every meal since it can damage the surface of your teeth. Avoid toothpaste with abrasive and make sure to use a product that contains fluoride. Also, invest in a quality electric toothbrush with a timer that will make you brush for the recommended two minute period, while it will clean your teeth more thoroughly than a manual toothbrush. 

Watch what you eat and drink

A balanced diet is essential for overall health and consequently for a healthy mouth. Replace snacks with healthy alternatives, include more fruits and vegetables and focus on food rich with protein and calcium. Avoid sugar, acidic food and drinks, and make sure to drink plenty of water. Stay away from sodas, coffee, and alcohol, since not only they will dye your teeth, but they will cause tooth decay and gum disease in a long run. 

Proper intake of vitamins and minerals

Sometimes it is impossible to have healthy and balanced meals, so making use of supplements can be a wise move. Vitamins C and D are extremely important for overall health, especially for the absorption of minerals like phosphorus and calcium. Also, make sure to have a daily dose of calcium or even to increase intake. 

Schedule regular cleanings

Good oral hygiene will keep you relatively safe, but to make sure your mouth is completely healthy, visit your dentist twice a year for regular checkups and cleaning. The dentist will examine your teeth and gums and will remove plaque using a special tool. It is also a great opportunity to get some suggestions on which products to use to maintain good oral health, as well as to ask questions about your oral hygiene routine. 

Use mouthwash

A great way to reduce the level of bacteria in your mouth during the day is having a small size bottle of mouthwash at hand. Instead of brushing your teeth frequently, keep it just at twice a day and sip mouthwash after meals to freshen up your breath and to remove bacterial plaque. Keep in mind that using mouthwash does not eliminate the need to floss or clean your teeth. 

Quit smoking

Yes, easier said than done. Bear in mind that smoking causes various health problems, including mouth aging. There are oral cancers directly linked to a nasty habit of smoking. Cigarettes cause stained teeth, as they change the natural white color of your teeth into the dull and dirty shade. Also, smoking blocks absorption of calcium which eventually results in tooth decay. 

Conclusion

A healthy smile is just a part of a bigger picture: a mindful and happy person with good lifestyle choices and healthy habits. Making your wellbeing a priority and being consistent about it will show results soon. Consequently, there will be even more reasons to smile. 

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