Importance of Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene

All of us want those pearly whites, but when it comes to putting in the effort to maintain our oral health, not many follow the necessary steps. Numerous surveys over the years have found that many people in Etobicoke and other cities of the GTA, are a tad casual about their oral health. Neglecting your oral health can have many repercussions for you in short- and long-term. Not only can serious dental emergencies arise, but you can also be at an increased risk of other diseases. It goes without saying that maintaining optimal oral health is an integral part of your overall health and it should not be neglected at any cost.

Importance of maintaining good oral hygiene

Good oral hygiene not only plays an important role in our overall sense of well-being, but also boosts our appearance and self-confidence. Brushing twice a day, flossing at least once, and visiting a dentist every six months for preventive health check-ups can help us maintain good oral health.

Maintaining good oral hygiene isn't beneficial for your teeth and gums alone, it lowers your risk of developing a host of other diseases as well. Researches have found a relation between gum disease and cardiovascular diseases. Also, it has been also found that there is a higher incidence of low birth-weight babies in women with gum diseases. Some studies in the past have found that 90% of all systematic diseases, including diabetes, leukemia, and kidney disease have oral symptoms, such as ulcers and swollen gums.

Effects of poor oral hygiene

People with poor oral hygiene suffer from poor self-esteem and a lack of confidence. They are not able to smile properly and are always conscious about the appearance of their teeth or bad breath. Various studies over the years have shown the relation between poor oral hygiene and lack of self-esteem in people.

Tips for Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene

• Create a daily oral health routine

One of the most important aspects of good dental care is creating a daily oral health routine. You need to ensure that you brush twice a day and floss at least once. Many people brush twice daily, but it's also important to remember that the duration should be at least two minutes. In fact, according to a recent survey, a majority of people brush for less than a minute. Flossing is also important to remove plaque from those areas of the mouth where brush cannot reach. It's also advisable to avoid brushing your teeth within half an hour of eating acidic foods as it can increase the risk of tooth abrasion.

• Eat the right foods

While brushing and flossing is essential, what you eat also plays an important role in your oral health. To prevent tooth decay and cavities, avoid eating foods that are high in sugars and acids. You should cut down on sweets, chocolates, and soft drinks. You should include kiwi, cheese, onions, sweet potatoes, in your diet as these foods are highly beneficial for oral health.

• Visit your dentist twice a year

Well, for many residents of Etobicoke, visiting a dentist is something they would rather avoid. But if you want to ensure good oral hygiene, it's important that you visit your dentist at least twice every year. Visiting a dental health service provider periodically will not only ensure good oral health, but it will also ensure early detection of any major dental issues.

Emy Jason is a dental specialist who has worked as a volunteer in the West Toronto Dental Society. She has also worked at various positions in the councils and committees at the Ontario Dental Association.