Six minutes a day for a confidence boost
Proper oral hygiene can positively impact our overall health and social relationships, as well as providing us with confidence in both our professional and personal lives. This is why maintaining the health of our mouth and teeth should be an integral part of our daily routine, with dental check-ups scheduled every six months to a year.
Oral hygiene refers to the daily activities required to maintain the health of the oral cavity.
Humans have been using tools to clean their mouths since ancient times — and for good reason. Neglecting oral hygiene can lead to numerous problems: sensitive teeth, frequent and severe pain, tooth loss, and other aesthetic issues that can reduce our quality of life and even cause anxiety. Moreover, periodontal (gum) disease significantly increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, and premature birth. Therefore, every argument supports the importance of conscious oral hygiene.
Let’s review the main issues that can arise concerning the health of our mouth:
Chewing difficulties may occur when there are not enough teeth in the mouth, or when the existing teeth become less functional. Disorders of the jaw joint can also contribute to the problem.- Pain in the mouth may be caused by dental pulp (commonly referred to as the ‘nerve’) inflammation due to tooth decay, an infected or dead tooth, excessive pressure from teeth grinding, changes in the oral mucosa, or salivary gland disorders. Particularly concerning is a sore in the mouth that does not heal within weeks, whether painful or not, and continues to grow. In such cases, immediate medical attention is necessary, as it could indicate a malignant condition, such as tumour development.
- The aesthetic perception of the teeth is subjective and can be influenced by current trends and personal expectations. However, discoloured or rough tooth surfaces, especially when left unexamined, may indicate underlying problems.
- Tartar calls for professional help. If tartar is not removed, it can lead to periodontal disease over time, where the issue extends beyond gum inflammation to include damage to the bone supporting the teeth. Proper oral hygiene practices and regular professional preventive care can help avoid these complications.
- Dental plaque needs a toothbrush. Dental plaque refers to the material that forms on teeth from bacteria living in the mouth. It adheres so firmly to the surface of the teeth that it cannot be removed by rinsing or water jets alone. Only mechanical brushing can eliminate it—and we highly recommend doing so, as plaque is responsible for the majority of dental issues.
Tips for preventing tooth decay and tooth loss:
- Brush your teeth at least three times a day for two minutes after your main meals. For the most professional approach, brush 30 minutes after eating and avoid snacking between brushing sessions.
- Use dental floss and interdental brushes daily.
- Visit your dentist regularly (every six months to a year) for check-ups.
Picture: Kaboompics.com: https://www.pexels.com/hu-hu/foto/szemely-orvosi-fogak-kesztyuk-6627315/
