Look after your health by looking after your teeth
National Smile Month may be over for another year, but at JDRM Dental Care, oral hygiene remains firmly in the spotlight. Here are the three key things we believe will ensure oral hygiene success all year round.
Brush twice a day
Although it may seem like an unnecessary chore, brushing your teeth twice a day can help to prevent the build-up of plaque. Plaque can damage the gums and teeth in various ways, mainly by breaking down tooth enamel, causing tooth and gum infections and serious gum disease like periodontitis.
People with chronic gum problems like periodontal disease or gingivitis have a higher risk of heart disease, especially if it is not diagnosed or managed. The bacteria that are present with gum infections can enter the bloodstream, and attach to blood vessels that increase your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Flossing or using an interdental brush can also help to improve oral hygiene by removing small pieces of food that get stuck between the teeth.
Eat a healthy diet
Food and drink can cause tooth decay, especially if it is particularly sugary or acidic. A balanced diet can include lots of fruit and vegetables, starchy foods like bread and potatoes, healthier fats like those found in fish and nuts, and protein.
By only consuming a small amount of food and drink that contains sugar, you can help to prevent tooth decay and bacteria build up. Despite many drinks being labelled as ‘healthy’, such as smoothies, they do contain a great deal of sugar, so it is best to only have one small glass per day and to brush your teeth after consuming it.
Visit your dentist as often as they recommend
It can be tempting to postpone dentist’s appointments, with many people thinking of their oral health as less important than their physical health. That couldn’t be further from the truth, and as explored, poor oral health can cause a myriad of health issues.
By visiting your dentist every six months, or as recommended by your dentist, you can ensure that you are ahead of the game when it comes to any potential problems. For example, the dentist may spot a very small cavity that is easily fixed with a tiny filling, but if left and ignored it could grow and cause significant problems.
Crooked teeth can also contribute to problems with oral health, due to an inability to clean the teeth properly. At JDRM Dental Care, we offer the normal service you’d expect from a dentist as well as tooth straightening solutions like Invisalign.
If you would like further oral advice or to book an appointment at our Coalville-based practice, you can call us on: 01530 811 303, or email: info@jdrmdentalcare.co.uk.
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