More often than not, oral health takes a back seat. We tend to take budding oral health issues for granted, thinking, it will not cause major harm to our overall health. 

Do you think the same? If you do, you are WRONG! 

Our oral health is a window to our overall health and our well-being. Poor oral (dental) hygiene can lead to problems that affect other parts of our body. 

Importance of practising good dental hygiene 

Whether you are 60 or 6, maintaining and caring for your oral health is important. 

Dental problems like gum diseases have been linked to heart disease, clogged arteries, and stroke. In pregnant women, gum diseases like periodontitis can lead to premature births. Cavities and a missing tooth can impair your ability to speak, eat well or chew properly. 

People already suffering from ailments need to be extra careful. For example, diabetes reduces the body’s resistance to infection and makes the gums more susceptible to infection, which in turn can adversely affect blood sugar levels. In people with HIV, mouth sores are common and need to be treated before they cause further infection. 

If you are on medication, you need to make sure your oral health is in check. The reason being, medications cause dry mouth and hence, the flow of saliva is reduced. Saliva is important as it washes away settled food and neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. If you are experiencing dry mouth syndrome, make sure to contact your dental professional to avoid further dental complications or diseases. 

Maintaining good dental hygiene is necessary because it can prevent these and various other kinds of dental problems and oral diseases. Keeping your teeth and mouth hygienic can help prevent the risks of other health complications. And more so, we know prevention is always better than cure and prevention should be the primary focus. 

In a nutshell, good dental hygiene is important as poor hygiene can affect overall health, regular maintenance of oral health prevents tooth loss and can help detect major oral diseases at an early stage. 

At Sakra Dental Clinic Bangalore, our team of expert dentists tailor and customize your dental treatments, procedures and provide dental solutions within your budget.

What can adults do to maintain good dental hygiene? 

• Basic rule: Brush twice daily and floss regularly to remove dental plaque

• Drink fluoridated water and use fluoride toothpaste - fluoride is a leading defence mechanism against tooth decay. It acting as a protective barrier for the teeth

• Visit your dental surgeon at least twice a year

• If you wear dentures, make sure you visit the dentist regularly for checks

• Quit smoking and tobacco

• Limit alcoholic drinks

• If you are diabetic, try to maintain sugar levels

• Talk to your dentists about any abnormal lesions or ulcers in your mouth

• After brushing and flossing, use mouthwash to remove food particles left

• Change your toothbrush after every three months or before, if bristles are splayed or worn

• If you are suffering from GERD, get yourself treated as acid reflux can cause enamel damage and in turn, tooth loss

• While playing sports, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth.

• Chew sugarless gum 

• If you tend to grind your teeth during sleep, use a night guard 

• Don't forget your tongue - Plaque can accumulate on your tongue as well. It can lead to bad mouth odour. Brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth, be gentle.

• Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables

• Limit sugary and acidic foods 

• As much as adult teeth need care and maintenance, a child’s oral care needs to be taken care of too - right from infancy. Strong oral care helps a child develop good dental habits as he or she grows.

How to care for your child’s teeth 

• For babies, use a soft and clean cloth to wipe their gums twice a day.

• Help your child brush until they have good brushing skills, allow them to watch you brush. Make brushing a fun activity, let them choose their favourite brush colour or a brush with a cartoon character. 

• Educate them on the importance of keeping dental health intact, in the form of storytelling or cartoon videos.

• Avoid giving them sugary treats and drinks

• Start visiting the dentists as soon a new set of teeth erupt and make it a habit to keep visiting thereon, at least 3 times a year

• It is common for teeth to erupt in an irregular manner or crowded, make sure to seek dental advice on braces or other dental treatment options

• Make it a habit to eat healthily cooked meals 

Following all the tips and maintaining your routine dental visits will make your teeth last a lifetime, just as they were designed to do.

We are here at Sakra World Hospital to meet all of your dental needs!

Sakra World Hospital is one of the top dental hospital in Bangalore with high-quality equipment and an experienced dentist in Bangalore providing the best care for you.