Dental Hygiene Prevents Teeth Problems

When it comes to dental hygiene, prevention really is better than cure. Nothing is better for your teeth than maintaining a regimented routine of oral hygiene. By spending just a few extra minutes a day to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy, you could avoid a lifetime of painful and costly dental procedures. Ask any one who has suffered from tooth decay, gum disease or who has suffered form a serious toothache and they will tell you that that extra few minutes brushing and flossing are definitely worth it.

Dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice a day, in the morning after breakfast and in the evening before bed, using suitable toothpaste (ask your dentist about fluoride content) and a suitable brush with appropriate bristles. They also strongly recommend flossing your teeth at least once a day. These are the two main front-line defences against a whole array of painful and unpleasant dental problems.

By not brushing and flossing regularly you are allowing bacteria to build up in a filmy substance called plaque which surrounds the teeth, attacking the enamel and causing cavities. If these cavities are allowed to penetrate to the root of the tooth it can cause an infection that will be very painful and can eventually lead to tooth loss. It is also possible for the infection to spread to other teeth in the mouth and even infiltrate the bloodstream causing serious health problems such as heart disease.

It is an unpleasant thought, but the mouth is in fact one of the dirtiest places in the human body. Its warm and moist conditions make it ideal living conditions for the 500 million or so bacteria that live there. If this bacteria is not properly controlled by cleaning it will thrive and cause health problems.

Good oral hygiene also eliminates unfortunate social conditions such as yellow teeth and bad breath. Over 90 per cent of cases of bad breath are caused by poor dental hygiene. Food and bacteria trapped between the teeth break down releasing foul smelling sulphurous compounds that are the cause of bad breath. Brushing and flossing help to remove the bacteria and keep your breath fresh.

A good dental hygiene routine, accompanied by the all important six-month visits to the dentist can help you maintain a happy and healthy mouth. Look after your teeth and they can last you a lifetime. Ask your dentist about how to correctly brush your teeth and which brush is most suitable for your teeth and gums.