Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits will help you take care of your teeth and gums properly and keep them healthy.

Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping one’s mouth clean and free of disease and other problems (e.g. bad breath) by regular brushing of the teeth (dental hygiene) and cleaning between the teeth. Oral hygiene must be carried out regularly to enable the prevention of dental disease and bad breath.

Steps are needed to have healthy teeth as you take care of your teeth properly.

1. At least twice a day, brush your teeth. After meals are the best time to brush your teeth properly. For easier access to your back teeth, use a toothbrush with a small head. Soft bristles are gentler on the gums.
2. Make use of fluoridated toothpaste. Fluoride hardens tooth enamel and lowers your risk of decay.
3. Brush thoroughly. Brushing your teeth properly should take between two and three minutes.
4. Floss your teeth every day. Flossing must be done slowly and gently. We wrote about how to floss.
5. Limit acidic beverages such as soft drinks, cordials, and fruit juices. Food acids soften tooth enamel and dissolve minerals, resulting in holes (cavities or caries). In severe cases, teeth may be “eaten” all the way down to the gum line.
6. Sugary foods should be avoided. Sugars are converted into acids by bacteria in dental plaque.
7. Keep your teeth safe from harm. When participating in sports, wear a mouthguard or a full-face helmet.
8. It would be best if you did not use your teeth for anything other than chewing food. You risk chipping or breaking your teeth if you use them to crack nuts, remove bottle tops, or rip open packaging.
9. See your dentist for regular check-ups. You should also visit your dentist if you have a dental problem such as a toothache or bleeding gums.

Taking care of your teeth

You may be asking, why is taking care of your teeth so important?

The shape and size of your teeth vary depending on where they are in your mouth. These differences enable the teeth to perform a variety of functions.

Teeth assist us in chewing and digesting food. The Best Ways To Take Care Of Your Teeth Properly.

They assist us in communicating and pronouncing various sounds. Finally, teeth help to shape our faces. A healthy smile can be a great asset, and because it is so important, it makes sense to take the best care of your teeth.

Can anything go wrong?

Yes, things can go wrong if you ignore your dental hygiene. And this varies from:

• The teeth are protected by a hard, outer coating called enamel. Every day, a thin layer of bacteria known as dental plaque forms on your teeth. These layers of bacteria produce acids that can damage enamel and cause cavities. Brushing and flossing your teeth can help prevent decay, but once a cavity forms, a dentist must fill it to prevent further damage.
• Gingivitis is common and begins with a plaque building up under the gum line. If left untreated may lead to bone loss around the teeth. It may result in loose teeth and tooth loss in some cases.Gum disease is avoidable. It can be treated and controlled with regular cleaning sessions and check-ups, preventing further issues. If teeth are lost, bridges, dentures, or implants may be required to fill the gaps.

What is a plague?

Plaque is a thin, sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. Plague is a disease that affects humans and other mammals. It is caused by the bacterium, Yersinia pestis.

Humans usually get plague after being bitten by a rodent flea that is carrying the plague bacterium or by handling an animal infected with plague.

How can plague cause tooth decay?

When you eat foods with sugars and starches, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack tooth enamel. Plaque’s stickiness keeps these acids in contact with your teeth.

The tooth enamel deteriorates as a result of constant acid attack, forming a hole or cavity.

How can plaque cause gum disease?

Brushing constantly will remove the plaque, and if it is not removed, it can harden into what is called “calculus,” which is also known as “tartar.” When calculus forms near the gumline, the plaque beneath it releases poisons that irritate and inflame the gums.

The gums begin to pull away from the teeth, and the gaps become infected.

If gum disease is not treated as soon as possible, the bone that supports the teeth is destroyed, and healthy teeth can become loose and fall out. The Best Ways To Take Care Of Your Teeth Properly.

Severe gum disease can cause teeth to fall out and require replacement.

How can you prevent gum disease?

It is essential to remove plaque and food debris from around your teeth to keep your gums from becoming inflamed and swollen, as well as infected.

Leaving the plaque on your teeth, it will harden and become tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist.

Keep your regular appointments. It is important so that your teeth can be thoroughly cleaned if necessary.

How do you know if you have gum disease?

Though gum disease is generally painless, and it damages the bone supporting the teeth. Gum disease (gingivitis) typically manifests as red, swollen gums that bleed when brushing or cleaning between your teeth.

Many people become concerned when their gums bleed and either brush more gently or stop brushing altogether.

In fact, if you want to fight gum disease, you must continue to clean regularly and thoroughly. If the bleeding does not stop within a few days, consult with your dentist.

I believe you have seen why brushing is important?

Conclusion

Just a recap: Brushing and cleaning between your teeth daily will help remove plaque.

When the plague is not removed, it may continue to grow, feeding on the bits of food that are left behind and causing tooth decay and gum disease.

Altogether, you should brush your teeth thoroughly with fluoride toothpaste before bedtime and at least once more during the day.

If you continue to experience discomfort or bleeding after brushing, you should see your dentist.

Finally, we love our patients and love to help them form healthy dental life that will last them a lifetime. For more information check our services or visit DDH-Divine Dental Home at 8B Fabac Close, Off Ligali Ayorinde St, Victoria Island, Lagos, NIgeria