Keeping your teeth and gums clean is a critical component of maintaining your dental health. By doing so, you will reduce the risk of developing dental diseases and bad breath. There are several ways to maintain your oral health at home, including flossing and brushing regularly. Read on to learn how to keep your teeth and gums healthy. This will help you keep your mouth fresh and free of bacteria. Also, you will reduce the risk of gum disease and diabetes.
Routine dental checkups
In addition to checking the teeth, your dentist also examines the lymph nodes and the mouth for sores and growths. A dental x-ray is also used to detect problems, such as impacted teeth, bone decay, or cavities. Digital x-rays emit 90 percent less radiation than traditional x-rays and provide immediate results. Your dentist will also check for gum disease and infections.
Flossing
Flossing for dental health is an important part of your dental health. While there are several different types of floss, the best one for you is the waxed floss. This works best in tight spaces between your teeth. You can also use dental tape, which is wider and covers the larger spaces between teeth. Also, you should use soft picks if you have bridges or permanent retainers. Finally, you can try a water flosser.
Gum disease
In addition to your oral hygiene, your dental health will be greatly affected by gum disease. This infection may affect your heart, diabetes, and other systems, so you should be extra vigilant about your oral health. Regular checkups and cleanings will help you maintain your oral health. A good oral hygiene routine at home will help you prevent gum disease and treat it quickly if you do develop it. Here are a few tips for brushing and flossing your teeth at home:
Diabetes
People with diabetes need to be aware of their dental needs, which includes regular checkups. A dentist can identify any signs of gum disease or diabetes during regular dental visits. Patients should also discuss their diabetes management and any changes to their medications with their dentist. Non-emergency dental procedures should be postponed while their condition is under control. Moreover, it is important to floss daily and remove dentures daily. In addition, people with diabetes should check for early signs of gum disease to avoid unnecessary treatment.
Endocarditis
Several factors can increase your risk of contracting endocarditis, including certain types of heart valves, pacemakers, and intravenous drugs. Fortunately, good oral hygiene can greatly reduce your risk of developing endocarditis. Dental visits and daily brushing can help you avoid this potentially deadly condition. In fact, a recent study in the European Heart Journal noted that individuals who visit a dentist regularly were less likely to develop infective endocarditis.
Diabetes reduces your body’s resistance to infection
Diabetics need to be extra careful about dental health because their body’s resistance to infection is reduced. Diabetic patients should schedule regular dental check-ups and avoid oral surgery. In addition to regular cleanings, diabetics should follow their doctor’s dietary recommendations and practice good oral hygiene at home. However, dental procedures such as root canals or extractions can be difficult for diabetics.
Cancer of the oral cavity
There are many ways to prevent oral cancer. For starters, make sure you see your dentist regularly. They can check your entire mouth for abnormal areas and possibly detect any signs of precancerous change. If you notice any change in your mouth, schedule a dental checkup to have your mouth examined. You should also wear a hat and wear sunscreen when outdoors. Cancer of the oral cavity is a serious condition that can lead to death if left untreated.
Sugar-sweetened beverages
If you’re a coffee drinker, soda pop, or juice drinker, you’ve probably heard that these sweetened drinks are bad for your teeth and gums. But did you know that these drinks can also cause cavities? In addition to increasing your chances of tooth decay, sugar-sweetened beverages can also cause bad breath. So, here’s why you should avoid them, and how you can start improving your oral health now!