Celebrate World Health Day with a Healthier Smile!

World Health Day (7 April) is an opportunity to recognize, address and educate people about concerning health issues. Therefore, in recognition of this day, we would like to highlight how you should be taking care of your teeth.

Dental hygiene is important because it not only means that you have a beautiful smile or do not suffer from bad breath, tooth decay or gum disease, but a healthy mouth may help you ward off other medical disorders and lessen your risk of serious health problems such as heart attack, stroke, poorly controlled diabetes and preterm labor.

If you want to keep your mouth and your body health, follow these 8 tips:

1. Arguably, you should floss before you brush, as flossing can dislodge food debris in hard to reach places, which your toothbrush can then ‘sweep; out of your mouth. Rinsing your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash after your brushing and flossing routine also makes sure any leftover plaque is removed.
2. Rather use floss instead of a toothpick if you are struggling to remove food debris from your teeth. A toothpick could break off in your teeth, as well as damage your gums.
3. When thinking of dental hygiene, do not only think of your teeth! Your tongue should be cleaned as often as your teeth. Either use your toothbrush or a tongue scraper to lightly brush or scrape off any bacteria and debris from your tongue. Always scrape or brush your tongue from back to front and rinse your cleaning device after each scrape.
4. If you are susceptible to cavities, tooth decay or have eaten a very acidic or sugary meal, you should rinse your mouth out with water or chew sugarless gum to prevent the formation of plaque.
5. When your toothbrush bristles become bent, discolored or dirty, it is time to get a new toothbrush. If you do not renew your toothbrush regularly (about 3 to 4 times a year), you will leave yourself open to developing plaque and eventually cavities, as a worn toothbrush is an ineffective toothbrush.
6. The correct tooth-brushing technique can also make a world of difference. Experts say you should hold your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to your teeth, and gently brush your teeth for two minutes.
7. Visit your dentist regularly.The average person should visit the dentist once a year. If you have existing dental issues, you should be visiting the dentist more often. A regular dentist visit will allow a professional to detect any early warning signs of oral cancer, gum disease and decay, or determine if any of your current medications are affecting your dental health.
8. Eating a balanced diet, limiting sugary and starchy foods, regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco products goes a long way to keep your body and your mouth happy and healthy.

If you need extra help maintaining your dental health and need a check-up, cleaning or a consultation, contact Trevor Smith Dental today.