Oral health is pertinent for people of all ages. However, it becomes challenging to keep a healthy mouth as you hustle in your life.
Brushing and flossing twice daily becomes more of a chore when you have other health issues and stressors to consider. About one in four adults over 75 have lost all-natural teeth due to gum disease and tooth decay.
You can take steps to keep a healthy mouth at any age. While changing routines is expected as you age, keeping a clean mouth is crucial to maintaining a healthy life.
Gum disease and tooth decay don’t have to coincide with getting older. Good dental habits could help prevent infection, tooth decay, and loss of teeth. Read on to discover four ways to keep your smile as you age.
Importance of Keeping a Healthy Mouth
Taking care of your oral health is important to staying healthy across ages. Some of the reasons why it is important include:
- Prevents tooth loss due to decay or gum disease. Poor dental hygiene is the cause of tooth loss – plaque build-up, for instance, can lead to severe tooth decay and gum infection.
- Reduces the risk of diseases such as endocarditis, which is the infection of the heart’s inner lining. Gum disease or dental decay is one of the prominent signs of a significant disease that may soon follow.
- Prevents gingivitis or severe gum disease. One of the starting points of this oral disease is plaque build-up. With a healthy mouth, you avoid this.
- Did you know you can reduce cancer risk with a healthy oral routine? Certain types of cancer – pancreatic cancer, for example, is sometimes caused due to gum disease!
A healthy mouth is more than just shiny teeth and pink gums; it guarantees long-standing good health! Now let’s have a look at the steps to ensure you have a healthy mouth.
How to Have a Healthy Mouth Easily Without Additional Expenses!
These are some of the easiest hacks for having a healthy mouth that reduces medical expenses. A culture of wellness starts with these:
1. Stay Hydrated
Water is the most nourishing beverage for your body. It can prevent dehydration, lubricate your muscles and joints, and help maintain excellent oral health.
Many dental experts recommend drinking a glass of water after every meal. Doing this will help wash away the lingering, adverse effects of acidic foods and beverages on your teeth and gums.
2. Brush and Floss Daily
Brushing and flossing twice daily is a nuisance, but such habits are critical to a healthy mouth. Avoid using toothbrushes with stiff bristles, and opt for soft or medium brushes.
When it comes to floss, thicker threads work better than thin styles because it’s less likely to break as you maneuver it through your teeth. You’ll also want to find fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and protects it against decay.
3. Rinse with Antiseptic Mouthwash Daily
Further to brushing and flossing, rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash builds better oral health. Antiseptic mouthwash helps prevent infection by helping to break down plaque build-up around the teeth. It will also loosen up those tiny hidden food particles to make it easier to brush and floss.
4. Brush the Tongue
Did you know that plaque tends to build upon the tongue, too? An abundance of plaque not only creates bad breath but can also contribute to tooth decay and gingivitis and can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. When you’re brushing those pearly whites, don’t forget to give your tongue a little brush.
What to Do When You Want a Change?
Sometimes, tooth loss is inevitable, particularly for older adults. People lose teeth for many reasons, including ageing, accidents, etc. Are you unhappy with the way you look because of missing teeth? The good news is that there’s a solution. Your best bet is to contact your local denturist, who can replace those missing teeth with high-quality dentures.
If you feel self-conscious about gaps within your mouth, fitting dentures will fix that issue immediately. While you continue to brush and floss with dentures, don’t forget to ask your denturist how to keep your dentures clean with the right denture care products.
Oral health is a lifelong endeavour that takes a little work every day.
Try these tips to improve your overall health today. Oral health is an essential factor for you to have an overall healthy lifestyle.
One of the biggest factors in keeping a healthy body is taking care of your oral health. This is one of the areas in your body that acts as an open entry to all types of microorganisms.
This is also the part that brings in nutrition in a natural way.
Consult your dentist for the best routine!
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