The teeth are not an isolated organ in the mouth. It
interacts with the body as a whole and its health contributes to the overall good
health of the body. The health of our mouth is a serious matter, so we should
always take some care with the teeth.
The importance of teeth goes beyond the sphere of their
basic functions like chewing and articulating words. Good oral hygiene reduces
the risk of developing oral and dental problems. It is important to emphasize
that diseases of the mouth are directly related to smoking, alcohol consumption
and poor diet. Scientific studies also prove that oral health is closely
related to general health, because the mouth interacts with all structures of
the body. Poor oral hygiene conditions can cause oral diseases, which in turn
can lead to especially cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
The mouth is the largest cavity in the body that have direct contact with the external
environment, being the gateway to bacteria and other microorganisms that are
harmful to health. A look inside or a swab of saliva can tell your doctor
volumes about what's going on inside your body.
Taking care of your oral health goes far beyond visiting the
dentist regularly. Small habits such as brushing your teeth and choosing the
right foods to set up your dish can help keep your teeth and mouth in good
order.
At old age, some oral changes can compromise
hygiene and consequently facilitate the appearance of problems in the
surrounding teeth and tissues. Some of the major problems affect the gum which can undergo retractions which makes the teeth appear longer. This
process ends up exposing the root of the tooth, which increases the risk of
"root decay", which in addition to destroying the tooth, can cause
dentin hypersensitivity and other more serious problems. You must take
good care of your teeth so as it will last you your lifetime
Some bad habits that can hurt your teeth
Bad Brushing - Many people opt for a hard brush
and end up rubbing their teeth with too much force, increasing their
sensitivity and irritating the gums. In addition, brushing your teeth more
than 2/3 times a day is excessive and may also contribute to wearing down your
teeth.
Use your teeth as a tool - This is a very common
habit in the daily lives of some people. Whether it's opening bottles or
packaging, there are many patients who resort to their teeth as if they were
tools. However, doing so may break your teeth, injure your jaw, or even
accidentally swallow something. Use the appropriate instruments.
Smoking - There are several negative
consequences for your oral health that come from smoking, such as spots on the
tooth surface, falling teeth due to gum disease or even cancer of the mouth
(lip and tongue).
Chewing Ice Cubes - Although many people believe
that chewing ice cubes is good for teeth, the truth is that doing so can
seriously erode the enamel, cause quite painful cracks or even break the teeth.
Maintaining good oral can help in the
following
Caries:
disintegration of the tooth caused by inadequate hygiene, intake of sweets and
carbohydrates, or complications of other diseases that decrease the amount of
saliva in the mouth.
Gingivitis: inflammation of the gums caused by plaque.
Bacterial plaque: is the set of bacteria that colonizes the
oral cavity. The plaque is fixed mainly in regions of difficult cleaning, such
as the region between the gum and the teeth or the surface of the back teeth,
causing cavities and tartar formation.
Tartar: is the hardening of plaque on the surface of the
teeth.
Bad breath, cavities, tooth dimming and also loss of teeth
can cause severe damage to health and even the well being of an individual.
One's self-esteem can be shaken by some of these dental
problems resulting in social exclusion and concussion in the emotional balance.
"The patient who has an aesthetic or oral health problem tends to smile
less, express himself and speak less, because of the shame of being
observed." Oral health interferes with the psychological and social life
of the individual.
In order to have beautiful and healthy smiles, you should have
some appropriate oral hygiene habits.
Always brush your teeth after meals.
Brush tongue, gum, and cheek.
Floss at least once a day.
Use mouthwash 2 to 3 times a week.
Change your toothbrush every 4 months.
Use a soft brush that is the right size for your mouth.
Do efficient cleaning every 6 months at the dentist to
remove plaque and tartar.
Control plaque growth
It is also important to take advantage of the moments of
brushing your teeth to see if there are any lesions (spots, lumps, swellings,
whitish or reddish plaques, wounds), especially on the tongue, cheek, lips,
mouth, under the tongue or throat. The most common oral lesions are wounds
caused by removable dentures, thrush, cold sores, and gum
inflammations.
