Portal about Pregnancy

Oral hygiene

Healthy teeth are clean and sans cavities and tartar buildup. Healthy gums are firm ands pink. Healthy teeth not only enable you to look and feel good, they make it possible to eat and speak properly. To maintain your pearly whites in good condition and last you a lifetime, follow some simple yet vital rules of oral hygiene:

Brush your teeth at least twice a day

Floss daily

1. Get a dental check-up and teeth cleaning at least twice a year
2. Avoid smoking
3. Avoid candy and other sugary foods
4. Eat a well-balanced diet
5. Do not ignore loose teeth, bleeding and swollen gums

If you wear dentures, ensure that you clean them after every meal. Soaking them in a cleaning solution daily also helps in maintaining oral hygiene.

The kind of food we eat plays an important role in determining the health of our teeth. Soft and sticky foods are most dangerous on the teeth as they get attached between the teeth and provide a breeding ground for bacteria. Tough foods increase saliva production and some amount of self-cleaning of the teeth takes place. Snacking in between meals is a sure-fire recipe for continuous acid attack on the teeth all day long. A balanced diet with limited number of between-meal snacks is ideal for healthier teeth.

Plaque

Plaque is a film of bacteria that grows on teeth and leads to decay and gum disease. When the layer of plaque gets hardened, it is called tartar or calculus. Plaque leads to gum irritations, making them tender and raw. It may lead to a condition where the gums move away from the teeth, creating crevices that harbor more bacteria. This can lead to tooth and bone decay. Gum disease is a primary cause for loss of teeth in adults. Plaque can cause other problems such as cavities, inflamed gums (gingivitis) and bad breath. Plaque begins to accumulate on teeth within 20 minutes after eating. . Teeth that are not cleaned properly become a place for bacteria to reside as food particles stay in your mouth and decay. Therefore regular brushing and flossing is vital to preventing plaque buildup.

Bad breath can be an embarrassing problem. Good oral hygiene practices such as regular brushing and flossing and usage of mouthwashes can keep bad breath at bay. Bad breath can also be caused due to dry mouth syndrome. Many a time long periods of hunger or medications can contribute to bad breath. Consult your dentist if you continue to have bad breath.