How To Keep Your Mouth, Teeth And Gums Healthy

The mouth is considered to be a mirror to the health stays of one’s body and with valid reason

The oral cavity is indeed reflective of the person’s general health and well being in many possible cases. Dental and oral health has a vital role to play in overall healthcare of the body.

Practising good oral hygiene is the most important action that a person can take to prevent and treat gum disease and other tooth related problems. Gum disease puts patients at a higher risk of multiple serious ailments like stroke and heart disease, hence it cannot be ignored much.

Most people tend to overlook their gums, when it comes to oral health and focus on getting a bright, white smile instead. However, healthy teeth require healthy gums too.

Here are some simple tips for healthy gums and teeth:

- People should visit a dentist every 6 months. A regular dental checkup typically includes, detection and extent of a tooth decay, prevention of teeth and gums diseases. A thorough professional cleaning at that checkup will help to remove the tartar and plaque that are the root cause and beginning of all diseases.

- Most of the Indian population are unaware of the right brushing technique, and that is a major concern of most dentists. People should follow guidelines of proper brushing technique as listed below :-

● Brush at least twice daily, using a medium bristled toothbrush of the correct size and a fluoridated toothpaste.

● Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, or once the bristles begin to fray.

● Brush your teeth in the manner recommended by your dentist.

● Never miss the inside of the front teeth by turning the brush vertically.

● Make sure that all surfaces of the teeth are adequately brushed.

● Learn Flossing from your dentist and make that a part of your daily dental care.

Dr Rajesh reiterates the fact that a majority of the Indian population does not know the correct technique and purpose of flossing and hence are oftentimes in need of proper guidance from a dental practitioner.

Dr Shetty wants to create awareness amongst the young and old, that dental floss should be an addition to the daily dental routine, as it will help reduce gingivitis ( bleeding gums) and tooth decay to a great extent. As regards to mouth rinse, it should be advised against using it without adequate reason to. Therapeutic mouthwashes are advised by your dentist if at all a patient has a gum related disease or a high decay rate, and ideally should only be taken if prescribed. However, he reinstates that one should not use a mouthwash as a replacement for brushing and flossing. Systemic diseases play a vital role in gum health.

Patients should be advised to get their yearly medical checkup, to get a better understanding of their oral health.