Taking good care of your mouth and teeth means you can enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile. We’re investing in your oral care, so we’re here to talk about the importance of keeping your teeth healthy. Read on to learn more about the benefits of good oral care, how to take care of your mouth throughout your life, and a few tried-and-tested tips for healthy teeth and a beautiful smile!
What happens when you don’t have healthy teeth?
Learning how to keep your mouth healthy can help prevent:
- Cavities. These are holes in enamel caused by bacteria and tooth decay.
- Infection and tooth loss. They are often caused by untreated cavities.
- Gum disease. It is a painful condition where plaque collects on and under the gum line, causing swelling, redness, and pain.
- Reduced self-confidence. Painful, discoloured, or broken teeth can make it hard to enjoy smiling.
What’s more, poor oral health doesn’t just mean dull teeth or unpleasant (but safe) procedures such as filling a cavity. It can also have a negative impact on your overall health. Some studies have shown that gum disease (often caused by poor oral hygiene) is connected to diabetes, heart disease, and even some cancers. If that’s not a reason to start brushing, we don’t know what is.
How to take care of your mouth
We could write plenty of blog posts about how to keep your teeth healthy – and we have! You can visit our blog for additional in-depth dental tips and advice. But here’s a summary of what you can do for healthy teeth and a healthy mouth.
- Brush softly twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss once a day with dental floss.
- Visit your dentist for cleanings and exams twice a year.
- Avoid sugary and starchy foods and drinks.
- Avoid foods that stain (i.e., coffee, tea, wine and dark coloured fruits).
- Stop smoking.
- Use a mouthguard when playing sports.
Keeping your teeth healthy throughout life
Infants and Children
Ideally, great oral hygiene starts as soon as you're born. Even before teeth begin coming in, it’s important to wash infants’ gums with a soft cloth. Once teeth are in, a soft toothbrush with a smear of fluoride (no larger than a grain of rice) can be used. Children older than 3 can use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and should be able to brush by themselves. It’s especially important to keep up on dentist appointments during this age to ensure that both sets of teeth are healthy and aligned.
Adults
Young and middle-aged adults may find it difficult to fit dental care into a busy schedule, but it’s imperative to do so! Protecting your teeth with proper oral hygiene will help you avoid expensive or invasive corrective dental procedures. It will also make it more likely that you can enjoy your natural teeth well into your golden years. Be sure to maintain a good oral hygiene routine, and set (and keep!) dental appointments.
Seniors
Issues such as arthritis can make oral care a chore, but it’s important to keep going strong. Even seniors with dentures or implants who may not be at risk for cavities should still employ an oral hygiene routine to eliminate bacteria that might cause illness or other issues. Above all, be sure to visit the dentist regularly as older adults are more prone to developing oral cancer, gum disease, and dry mouth.
Need some help keeping your teeth healthy? Our blog offers a variety of dental tips and tricks for the best oral care. Our online store provides a huge selection of all the basics, from toothbrushes and toothpaste to teeth whitening kits. Visit us today to find something worth smiling about!