ORAL CARE AND OVERALL WELL-BEING: 6 WAYS TO KEEP SMILE HEALTHY

Oral care is considered as pivotal element for overall health, oral hygiene and well being. It is quite evident that oral care not only enhances the confidence and quality of life but also have long term impacts on overall appearances. Healthy teeth and gums are a result of proper oral care , hygiene orientation, regular dental checkups and absence of oral and dental diseases. This article will pour light on oral care , dental hygiene and tips regarding maintenance of radiant and attractive smile.

A study of 125 individuals in New York found that 93% were keen on a homebound oral assistance program, 34.1% in getting assist with everyday brushing, and a further 38.2% in oral care guidance. An oral assistance program presented in Canada zeroed in on education, giving assets, and illustrating authoritative rules to work on everyday dental care for more established residents. This mediation expanded dental mindfulness among the consideration group prompting better consideration and further developed adequacy in performing and keeping up with oral care  (Idris, S, Aghanwa, S, O’Halloran, J, Durey, A, Slack-Smith, L. Homebound oral care for older adults: A qualitative study of professional carers’ perspectives in Perth, Western Australia. Gerodontology. 2023; 00: 1- 7. doi:10.1111/ger.12704).

World Health Organization (WHO) reported that dental care conditions are really poor in Balkan regions of Europe. WHO reported that only fifty percent children of age between 5-6 years are dental carries free in Bosnia, Albania, Serbia and Herzegovina. It shows that reminder children are under threat of acute tooth decay.

A cross sectional study on oral and dental care on 350 children of age between 3-16 years conducted in Pakistan revealed that 59.1% children are average on self assessment regarding Oral care , 45.4% children didn’t reported any tooth pain in last 12 months, 54.9% children brush their teeth twice a day, 76.9% children never visited the dentist and moderated grade is concluded about attitude towards oral care (Moin M, et al. 2023).

3 Ways of Daily Dental Care & Hygiene Routine

Oral care through dental hygiene is inevitable for healthy oral life. In order to live a healthy oral life free from oral and dental illnesses may include following routines:

Proper Brushing

Brushing teeth twice a day is really helpful and effective strategy for overall oral health. Fluoride toothpastes are considered as more effective than other options. It is suggested to at least brush teeth two times a day with soft bristles tooth brush and cover all surfaces including molars and back molars.

Floss

Daily flossing is helpful for removal of plaque and other food particles which reside between teeth and on gums and its helpful in dental care . It prevents certain gum diseases and cavities.

Regular Mouthwash

Use of regular mouthwashes helps in antimicrobial and bacterial germs and freshen the breath as well for dental care . The added protection could be attained through fluoride enriched mouth wash.

3 Suitable Technique and Tools for Effective Oral Care

Yes, regular oral hygiene routine is important to practice yet correct tools and techniques have direct bearings on optimal dental and oral care. Here are some tools and techniques designed for better oral and dental care and hygiene.

1- Accurate Brushing Techniques

For better brushing one should hold the brush at a 45 degrees angle, apply in gentle circular movements for better coverage. One should brush teeth on front, back and chewing surface of teeth along with gums. It is suggested to brush teeth gently, because hard brushing may damage enamel of teeth badly and cause irritations as well.

2- Selection of Tooth Brush

Always select a brush having soft bristle to avoid damage and irritations. Replace the brush after every 3 months or if the brush damage before it than replace it even before to avoid bacterial infections.

3- Flossing Technique

It is suggested to use 18 inches long piece of floss and use it between the teeth, reaching all the natural curves of teeth and cover all areas of gums. Also use clean portion of floss to avoid infections and irritations.

Risk Factors Connected to Poor Oral Hygiene

A balanced diet is not only helpful for maintaining healthy life style but also have significant impacts on oral care and dental hygiene. Here are certain dietary guidelines to follow to avoid teeth decay and infections.

Avoid Sugary Drinks and Food

It is research proven that excess sugars in food or drinks may cause tooth decay and infections. That’s why the sugars must be discouraged in sugary snacks, sodas and candies. It is better to use fruits, vegetables and milk for better dental health.

Food rich in calcium:

All we know that the calcium is essential for bones and teeth. Usage of milk, yogurt, green vegetables , almonds and other cereals may be more helpful for the intake of significant quantity of calcium required for better oral health.

Hydration:

There is no doubt that water intake is important for digestion and helpful in stimulation of saliva to neutralize various acids and help in preventing dry mouth.

Dental Checkups

It is advised to pay regular visits to dentist for better oral care and hygiene. Dentists better understand the status of teeth, level of decay if present, cavities, pits, fishers or any other treatment required. It is better to visit dentist right after lapse of three month.

Diseases Caused By Poor Oral Care

It is estimated that about 3.5 billion people are affected by oral and dental issue per year. The dental and dental care is important for the healthy teeth and gum protection. If mishandled it may cause serious health hazards. Some common oral issues are as under

• Dental Carries
• Periodontal disease
• Edentulism
• Oral Cancers
• Oro Dental Trauma
• Noma

Conclusion

The smile could be seen more attractive and appealing if the teeth are clean, clear and out of any decay. By instilling our oral care routines with regular cleansing of teeth, applying various tools and technique about teeth washing and cleansing, the teeth could be saved from various decays, cavities, pits and infections. It is also suggested to visit dentists regularly to equip oneself about current teeth and gums status and timely treatment of any problem if any. Remember, following healthy oral care routines through various suggested tool and technique the investments could be repaid as it proved healthy. Therefore, oral care is inevitable to sustain a healthy smile.

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