‘Every tooth in a man’s head is more valuable than a diamond.’ – Miguel de Cervantes
Even as we choose to overlook the importance of dental hygiene, it is difficult to deny the value of a healthy & radiant set of teeth. Your teeth are more than just a tool for mastication – they help you express your thoughts while lending beauty, character, and shape to the face. An attractive set of teeth can elevate one’s confidence, mood, and social standing. It is this desire for a healthy mouth and a million-dollar smile that makes quality dentists a need of the hour.
A Healthy Lifestyle Ensures a Healthy smile
Yes, you heard that right. A healthy lifestyle plays a key role in preserving the health of your teeth. According to Colgate, a carbohydrate and sugar-heavy diet may put you at high risk of developing life-altering gum disease and tooth decay. More importantly, the germs that fester in your mouth can put you at high risk of developing life-threatening ailments & infections. According to Oral-B, those with 20 or more teeth at the age of 70 can expect to live a longer life.
The Right Toothbrush Is More Important Than You Think
Every person is different, and so is every mouth. Every mouth has its own needs and requires a toothbrush that caters specifically to those needs. However, choosing the right toothbrush can often prove to be a daunting task. Some have soft bristles, some have hard. Some are electric, some are traditional. Some are plastic, some are bamboo. The list is endless. Do consult your dentist before choosing a toothbrush that addresses your oral concerns.
Good Brushing Technique with the Right Products is a Thing
As important as it is to choose the right toothbrush, it is equally important to focus on one’s brushing technique. According to Colgate, the correct brushing technique means placing the brush at a 45-degree angle and moving the bristles back and forth in short & gentle strokes. Colgate also states that it is important to clean the debris off the floor of your mouth with either a good quality tongue cleaner or a toothbrush that comes equipped with one. It is also important to go for the right toothpaste. There are a million options on store shelves, but it is necessary to choose one that addresses your concerns, such as tooth decay, tartar, pyorrhoea, etc. Colgate also stresses the importance of using mouthwash for oral hygiene. Consult your dentist to correct your brushing technique and choose the right products.
Healthy Teeth Help Produce a Healthy Baby
According to Oral-B, pregnant women with well-maintained teeth and gums are ‘three-times less likely to suffer from complications during child-birth, have babies with birth defects or babies that are premature and weigh lesser than they should. Oral-B states that this is because gum disease raises the levels of chemicals that induce labor in a pregnant woman.
The Difference Between Flossing & Over-Flossing
Cleaning the crevices and spaces between one’s teeth is supremely important, and can only be made possible with flossing. Floss is a fine piece of thread that is used to clean spaces between our teeth. It is important to use good-quality dental floss correctly to remove gunk. However, it is equally important to be cautious with flossing – Intense flossing can cause gum injury and eventually severe infection and pain. If flossing seems like a daunting task, opt for picks, sticks & water-based cleaners, among others.
Dentists Offer More Perspective Than You Think
A dentist can do more than just fix your smiles and fill your cavities. They can detect oral cancer and re-align/fix displaced, broken, or dislocated jaws. They can also offer a perspective on diseases linked to poor oral hygiene. This is precisely why a routine dental check-up is supremely important – For instance, Mansarovar Dental College in Bhopal is the only BDS College in M.P to offer regular dental check-ups to patients.
The Health of Your Teeth is More Important Than a Captivating Smile
While a million-watt smile is an attractive and powerful asset, preserving the overall health of your teeth is more important. According to Healthgrades, gum disease can cause your bone to recede, which in turn can add to your health problems. So do not focus on just a healthy smile, and do not use a healthy smile as an indicator of perfect oral health. Balance is the key in preserving the overall health and beauty of your teeth. Healthy teeth automatically come off as attractive.
In a nutshell, human teeth carry immense value – not only do they help us chew and digest food, but also help elevate our beauty, confidence, and stature. A pair of healthy and well-preserved teeth can positively impact one’s mental and physical health. This is why it is important to follow your dentist’s advice and maintain strict oral hygiene. Use the right toothbrush with the right products in the right manner to maintain a healthy mouth. Floss with care and use a mouthwash now and then. Do not let embarrassment keep you from addressing your oral health concerns at the earliest. Sharing and treating your troubles with your dentist is extremely important. After all, as they say, a stitch in time saves nine.