Ways to Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

A poor oral hygiene can lead to many dental problems. It’s important to keep the mouth and teeth clean to prevent complications arising from a poor oral hygiene. Good oral hygiene is important for your overall wellbeing. Here are some tips you can take for maintain a good oral hygiene.

1. Brush at least twice daily:To prevent the buildup of plaque on the teeth. use toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride protects teeth from decay. Brush at least twice daily and rinse your mouth thoroughly after eating.
2. Know when to replace your toothbrush: Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months
3. Floss daily: Use floss to remove plaques from places in the teeth that toothbrush may not reach.
4. Have regular dental routine checks: visit your dentist at least twice a year to have your tooth examined and cleaned.
5. Limit snacking on sugary food: sugary foods produce acids which begins the process of tooth decay. Limit the intake of sugary food and always brush after snacking. The faster you can clean your teeth after eating, the less likely you are to get cavities and gum disease.
6. Use a mouth rinse: Use an antiseptic mouth rinse to help reduce bacteria found in plaque.

Consequences of poor oral hygiene

Poor oral hygiene leads to buildup of plaque. Plaque is a sticky colourless film of bacteria that constantly forms on our tooth. It is made up of invisible harmful germs which stick to the teeth. plaque causes tooth decay and gum disease. some of the consequences of a poor oral hygiene are:

Tooth decay

The bacteria in plaque buildup reacts with sugar to form acids. The acids forms holes in the teeth and dissolves the enamel.

Gum diseases

This is an infection of the tissues that surrounds and supports the teeth. Here are Some of the signs of gum disease to watch out for:

• Bleeding gums
• loose or separating teeth
• Red or swollen gums
• Tender gums
• constant bad breath or bad taste
• Pulling away of gum from the teeth

Respiratory problem

People living with gum disease have more bacteria in their mouth and are more likely to have respiratory problems. Chest infections may arise as a result of breathing in droplet from the mouth into the lungs. This can cause infections like pneumonia and bronchitis.

Heart disease

Inflammation in the mouth may cause inflammation in the blood vessel leading to an increased risk of heart attack. Also harmful bacteria from the mouth may enter into the bloodstream and attach to fatty plaques in the blood vessel leading to inflammation and increasing the risk of formation of blood clots which can cause heart attacks

Diabetes

Gum disease is one of the complications of diabetes. People who have gum diseases have a hard time controlling blood sugar.