If you’ve been struggling to find a new year’s resolution that you can stick to since 2023 started, why not make better oral health your priority? Taking good care of your teeth and gums won’t only ensure that you have a happy and healthy mouth, but will also help you to avoid costly dental treatments and lower your risk of other health conditions. Below we offer some oral health advice to help keep your mouth healthy this year.
What causes poor oral health?
Oral health issues affect three and a half billion people around the world, with untreated tooth decay posing the largest problem. In many cases poor oral health is caused by poor quality oral health routines - such as not brushing and flossing regularly - however, there are also a number of other causes. These include using tobacco, drinking alcohol, consuming high quantities of sugary foods or drinks, and not visiting a dentist regularly.
How do you know if you have poor oral health?
You will generally know if your mouth is in a poor state of health if you have pain such as toothache. However, there are also other signs to look out for that may indicate you have poor oral health, such as:
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Dry mouth
- Tooth loss
- Gum disease
Your oral health can also provide a window to your overall health. The mouth is an entry point to your respiratory and digestive systems, so if you don’t keep bacteria under control at the source, it may cause disease elsewhere in your body.
How can you get better oral health
If you are worried that you haven’t invested the time and effort into your oral health recently, it isn’t too late to make a change. Better oral health can be easily achieved when you follow a few simple steps:
- Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste.
- Use floss or interdental brushes at least once per day to help remove debris from between the teeth.
- Eat a healthy balanced diet that is low in free sugars and includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.
- Drink alcohol in moderation.
- Reduce or stop tobacco use.
- Wear protective equipment when playing contact sports.
- Visit a dentist regularly - every 6 months or as advised.
- Get children into a good oral health routine by brushing their teeth as soon as they come through and supervising brushing until they are able to do it effectively on their own.
If you have crooked or gappy teeth that you find difficult to brush effectively, now may be a good time to consider teeth straightening treatment. Not only will you benefit from the aesthetics of a straighter smile, but it will be easier for you to keep your teeth and gums clean, leading to better oral health.
Need more oral health advice or want our expert opinion? Follow the link to book an appointment for a check up where we can give your mouth a thorough check and advise you on any steps you need to take to improve your oral health routine.