Keep your smile healthy this Dental Health Week!
Why is our oral health important?
The health of our mouth impacts the health of our mind and body.
If we don’t take care of our teeth and gums properly, food particles are left behind on and in-between your teeth which allows bacteria to grow and eat these particles. When this happens, acid forms which destroys the protective layer of our teeth called the enamel. This can lead to the development of:
- Bad breath
- Tooth decay and cavities
- Receding gums
- Gum disease
When these things occur, you will need more interventions from your dentist such as fillings, root canal, crowns and eventually you may lose your teeth and need them replaced.
Poor oral health has also been linked to
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Alzheimer’s
- Lung conditions
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Adverse pregnancy outcomes
So how can we keep our smile healthy?
- Brush your teeth twice a day (after breakfast and before bed) and aim to brush for at least 2 minutes.
- With a manual toothbrush: tilt the brush on a 45 degree angle (towards the gum) and brush in circular motions.
- With an electric toothbrush: keep your toothbrush at a 90 degree angle (perpendicular to your teeth) and slowly move your toothbrush throughout your mouth, leaving the brush head on each tooth for a few seconds.
- Make sure to cover all surfaces of your teeth – the outside, the inside, the chewing surface (top of your teeth) and your gums.
- When you’re done brushing, spit don’t rinse! Leaving a small residue of toothpaste behind on your teeth allows the fluoride in your toothpaste to strengthen and protect your teeth.
- Flossing before or after brushing your teeth – this helps to remove the bits of food between your teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach.
- Use a toothpaste containing fluoride as this helps to protect our teeth from decay.
- Replace your toothbrush every 3 months and after recovering from being sick such as a cold.
- Reduce your sugar intake by minimising your intake of lollies, soft drink and other common sources of sugar such as biscuits and cereal.
- Quit smoking or reduce your cigarette consumption.
- Visit your dentist every 6 months for regular check ups and to detect the signs of tooth decay early.
Find more of our health tips here.
Make a chiropractic, massage therapy or naturopathy appointment with us here or call us on 9651 5559.
Sources:
Australian Dental Association. 2023. Dental Health Week. https://www.ada.org.au/teeth/dental-health-week
Health Direct. 2021. Dental care and teeth cleaning. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/teeth-cleaning#healthy-teeth