The mouth is regarded as the gateway to overall health. It is extremely vital to take proper care of your teeth and gums to prevent a variety of health problems. From tooth loss and gum disease to heart disease and diabetes, oral health is imperative. A mouth lesion or other dental problems such as gum infection can serve as an early indicator of systemic diseases. Systemic diseases such as diabetes often cause mouth lesions or other dental problems in the diabetic person.
An individual may pay more than they bargained for if they neglect their oral health since 120+ diseases are linked to the same. In reality, life has become very hectic, and the time we need to spend on taking care of our health has been taken up by other activities. Our lives have become very busy and we work more than 12 hours a day, leaving little time for ourselves. In the meantime, lacking good dental care and practising good oral hygiene in everyday life deteriorates one’s health and increases the likelihood of losing teeth.
Balance is essential for keeping our teeth free of cavities. After eating, bacteria grow in the mouth and produce acid, altering the pH level, making our teeth more susceptible to decay. To maintain oral health when one is on the go, one must remember a few simple but helpful tips.
Say No to Binge Eating – Due to the fact that it takes approximately 20 minutes for the acidity to wear off after eating, one needs to stop eating continuously for an extended period. Constantly eating creates more acidic production and it remains on the teeth for longer periods, causing further damage.
Sugar-Free Gum- By chewing on sugar-free gum after eating, you encourage saliva production and flow, which wash away acid and bacterial enzymes from your mouth. However, do not choose gum that is flavoured or sweet. That will reverse the effect and lead to more acid.
Stay Hydrated- Water is our body’s best friend, cleaning away impurities and toxins. It does the same for dental health as well; drinking enough water helps dilute acid in the mouth and removes any remaining food debris that can cause cavities.
Use a Mouth wash – Lower bacterial growth is directly proportional to bad breath. Using a mouthwash that has antibacterial properties will help reduce bacterial growth in the mouth and will also prevent cavities and gum diseases like gingivitis.
Making the right choice- In order to maintain good oral health, you must choose the best dental hygiene products for your daily routine. The brush or toothpaste you choose must not cause dental abrasion and must be approved by the dental association. Do not fall victim to the marketing strategies of the brands and consult a dentist before choosing products. Your dentist will recommend the best toothpaste, brush and other oral hygiene products that fit your needs. Remember that one size does not fit all!
The Floss Hack – Many people struggle with flossing and find it hard to do even once a day. Therefore, it is better to divide the work throughout the day instead of doing it all at once. Rushing while flossing might hurt the gums, so it is better if one focuses on the lower teeth first in the morning and upper teeth at night (or vice versa).
Poor oral health can lead to dental cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. Additionally, it can cause bad breath, dehydration, erosion of self-esteem, malnutrition, speech difficulties, and difficulty eating and swallowing.
Therefore, one should be proactive and take care of their oral health as it affects more than the mouth and the teeth and could lead to chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
The writer is Founder, and Chairman, MyDentalPlan Healthcare Pvt. Ltd.
Balance is essential for keeping our teeth free of cavities. After eating, bacteria grow in the mouth and produce acid, altering the pH level, making our teeth more susceptible to decay. To maintain oral health when one is on the go, one must remember a few simple but helpful tips.