June is National Oral Health Month
A beautiful smile is a healthy smile. A person spends about 38.5 days brushing their teeth. Regularly visiting the dentist can save you from problems like mouth infections, underlying diseases, and tooth decay. The American Dental Association supports the importance of oral hygiene during June. Read more on practicing good oral hygiene to keep that smile nice and healthy.
Without a nice set of teeth, we would not speak well or digest food properly. According to the Health Partnership Clinic, starting good oral health during adolescence is crucial for multiple reasons. Poor oral hygiene habits can lead to tooth decay, gum disease and pain. Poor mouth care can even create other underlying health issues. Starting good habits as a baby will allow for healthy teeth and gums growing up.
The most chronic disease among children in the United States is tooth decay. We have bacteria in our mouths. Some are good. Some are not. Bacteria meshes with the food we eat and turns into plaque. Plaque uses sugar and starch to form acids, which eat away our teeth. If the plaque remains for too long, it can turn into what we call tarter. Both tartar and plaque can be the product of gum disease.
Some visual signs where poor dental hygiene may have manifested are:
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Tooth pain: You may be experiencing tooth decay that has reached the tooth’s nerve.
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Bleeding or swollen gums: Only a dentist can determine if the cause is gum disease.
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Tongue texture or color: The color or texture of your tongue indicates that your oral health has changed.
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Oral growths: Meet with your dentist if you notice a lump, lesion, or growth in your mouth. Such growths can cause oral cancer.
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Deteriorating gums: Your gums can wear away and expose the roots of your teeth if oral hygiene is not taken care of.
Here are 7 proactive measures you can take to prevent oral conditions:
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Brush your teeth twice a day.
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Brush your tongue every night.
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Floss after each meal.
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Choose sugar-free gum instead.
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Avoid using all tobacco products.
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Eat more vegetables and less food with loads of sugar.
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Replace your toothbrush every two months.
Noticing the early signs of oral conditions can save you from pain and health issues. Knowing how to prevent them before it becomes a problem is even better. Remember to visit your dentist regularly, even when you don’t have issues. Underlying diseases can manifest as well. Take proactive measures to prevent oral conditions and keep that smile bright and healthy.