Happy World Oral Health Day!
Today is March 20th, otherwise known as World Oral Health Day!
This year’s World Oral Health Day’s theme is “Say Ahh: Think Mouth, Think Health.” The purpose of this concept is to encourage individuals to take control of their oral health by bringing awareness to the connection between oral health and the health of your entire body. Despite what you might believe, these two go hand in hand!
With oral diseases on the rise, the FDI is committed to educating the world about good oral habits and disease prevention – and so are we!
Why Oral Health Matters
Your oral hygiene is so important for your general health because it helps to prevent diseases including periodontal gum disease and oral cancer. If left untreated, these infections can spread throughout the body. In some very extreme cases, individuals have even passed away from tooth decay.
Keep in mind, that each of the above is very preventable as long as you practice good oral habits and make frequent trips to the dentist. Your oral health is best maintained when you are proactive about it!
7 Ways to Maintain Good Dental Health
In celebration of World Oral Health Day, here are the 7 ways Dr. Elbrecht recommends for maintaining great dental health!
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Brush, brush, brush
Ideally, you should brush your teeth at least twice per day – once when you wake up, and once before you go to bed. Aside from being sure you get both brushing sessions in, make sure you are brushing properly as well.
Aim to move the toothbrush in a circular motion across both the entire surface area of your tooth, where they meet your gums and your tongue for at least two minutes!
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Choose the right products
When it comes to oral hygiene products quality ingredients matter. It doesn’t matter how many times a day you brush if your toothpaste isn’t doing anything!
When picking out toothpaste or mouthwash, make sure that you’re buying a product that contains fluoride. Fluoride helps to fight against tooth decay and provides a protective barrier for your teeth. Here are the ADA’s top recommendations for kinds of toothpaste!
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Don’t forget to floss
Aside from brushing, flossing at least once a day is another essential part of maintaining good oral hygiene. Flossing helps to rid of plaque and loosen food stuck between the teeth.
If you or your child has difficulties flossing, don’t let that stop you! There are plenty of tools on the market that makes flossing easier such as ready-to-use dental flossers.
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Use mouthwash
Mouthwash is commonly associated with getting rid of bad breath. And while it does help with that, it does so much more for dental hygiene. Regularly using mouthwash helps to minimize acid in your mouth, re-mineralizes your teeth, and can clean hard to reach areas of your mouth.
Ask your dentist which brand they recommend. There are brands that are better suited for children, individuals with crowns or dentures, or those with sensitive teeth.
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Get regular cleanings
If you are in good oral health, you really only need to see the dentist for a basic cleaning and dental examination once every six months. If you do have any sort of oral disease or concerns, talk to your dentist about how frequently you need to come in.
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Consider lifestyle changes
Health, in general, is heavily affected by your lifestyle. This concept carries over into your oral health. If you truly care about having great oral health, try to make little changes to live in a more health-conscious way. Try to drink more water throughout the day, eat lots of fresh produce, limit sugary foods, and stop poor lifestyle choices like smoking and excessive drinking. Trust us, your mouth (and body) will thank you!
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Watch for warning signs
If you notice any dental symptoms that are out of the ordinary, contact your dentist immediately. Most dental diseases are easily treatable if caught early enough. The symptoms to watch out for include:
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Dry mouth
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Toothaches
- Jaw pain
Anderson Family Dentist
Committed to “act on mouth health” and get your oral health in check? Give local Anderson family dentist Dr. Elbrecht a call at (765) 622-7000 or stop by our office located at 1612 E 53rd St, Anderson, IN 46013. Our team would be more than happy to answer any questions you might have about choosing the perfect dentist!