Good oral hygiene is important for many reasons. Aesthetically, having a beautiful smile improves a person's appearance and confidence. However, proper care of the mouth can also prevent oral diseases that cause pain, annoyance and high medical bills. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) claims the two most common oral diseases are tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. Other diseases include dry mouth and cancer. These can be prevented if patients adhere to a proper oral hygiene routine.

Cleaning

The American Dental Association (ADA) outlines the proper way to maintain oral health. Brushing is the first piece of advice offered by the ADA. People should brush their teeth twice a day every day. It is important to brush thoroughly and cover all areas that can be reached with a toothbrush. Thorough does not mean rough, however. Brushing too hard could result in damage to the gums. The toothbrush should be held at a slight angle at the gums to avoid irritation. Healthy brushing also involves a healthy toothbrush. The ADA recommends changing toothbrushes every three to four months and not storing them in closed containers since this can lead to bacteria buildup. Toothpaste is just as important as the toothbrush when it comes to healthy brushing. Toothpaste should contain fluoride to prevent tooth decay. Fluoride helps prevent decay as well as reverse it. Flossing is another vital step in oral health care to prevent disease. Floss can clean the small spaces between teeth that toothbrushes cannot reach and should be done at least once a day. When picking oral care products, look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This will guarantee the product's safety and effectiveness have been approved by the ADA. In addition to daily at-home care, people should make regular appointments to see their dentists to prevent oral disease. The dentist not only thoroughly cleans the teeth and gums, but he also looks for signs of periodontal disease. He also removes the plaque that can't be removed from daily cleaning and further prevents oral disease.

Diet

Daily cleaning and professional cleanings are both very important preventive measures when it comes to oral disease. However, eating habits can also affect the health of the mouth. The ADA warns against eating habits that can lead to tooth decay, such as eating between meals. Sugar is very bad for teeth because it combines with plaque to form an acid that attacks teeth and leads to decay. Snacking between meals usually consists of high-sugar foods rather than healthier choices. Eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia are also harmful to teeth. Without proper nutrition, the body does not absorb essential nutrients to maintain a healthy body, including teeth and gums. Also, stomach acids that come up from vomiting are harmful to tooth enamel and lead to tooth decay. he ADA suggests sticking to well-balanced meals consisting of foods from the five major food groups (grains, fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy) to maintain proper oral health and prevent oral disease.

Source:

Centers for Disease Control

ADA - Basic Oral Care

ADA - Eating habits that can harm teeth

Resource:

ADA - Diet and tooth decay