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Oral hygiene is imperative for a healthy lifestyle. But how often do we see ourselves flocking in front of a Dentist to treat issues with bad breath, mouth sores (or ulcers), cavities, root canals, etc. etc. etc.? Wow! the list is ever increasing with the new generation food habits we have gotten ourselves into. Junk food culture. India (both rural and urban) is yet to get rid of its tobacco culture. The miscreants – Smoking or chewing tobacco tend to leave a sour taste not only healthwise to the person who does it, but also to people he or she is surrounded with. Heard of passive smoking? (See also: Your Oral History: Keeping Your Teeth and Gums Healthy as You Age)
So how do we fight the demon of gum and tooth problems and carry that sparkling, boisterous, and contagious smile? Let’s look at the solutions listed below.
Diet and Nutrition for Oral hygiene
Health and Nutrition go hand-in-hand. A healthy nutrition or balanced diet structure is the zenith of strong and healthy gums. If you are a Delhiite, you may be girdled up with mouth-watering and sumptuous street foods – Chole Bhature, Chaats, Paranthas, Biriyanis, Kebabs and what not. Is this arousing your gastronomical calling? If that is the case, you may feel a little disheartened, since this article is all about how you can prevent oral decay by reducing the binge eating culture. Just by following some simple lifestyle changes and regularly visiting your Dentist in Delhi, you can relish on your favorite foods and drinks. (See also: 10 Foods To Eat For A Lifetime Of Healthy Teeth)
- Incorporating a balanced diet (that includes fruits, vegetables, lentils, dairy products, carbohydrates, proteins, fibers, respectively) in your daily life.
- Reducing the intake of items which are too cold or too sweet (like ice-creams, cakes, sweets, etc.) significantly.
- Daily oral hygiene i.e., toothbrushing twice daily, chewing sugar-free gums also play a vital part in maintaining the overall health of gums and mouth.
- Most importantly, the awareness about oral hygiene amongst different age groups can be convened by schools, parents and other educational and authoritative bodies in the society.
Technique and Principle Behind Toothbrushing
Healthy teeth and gums have a lot to do with the right amount of pressure and approach towards brushing the teeth (apparently twice a day). If exerted too much pressure, it may cause abrasion, recession, crown depletion, and other dental problems.
Whether it is a soft or medium bristled brush, the grip around it mustn’t be too tight or strong which eventually deploys a high amount of pressure on the gums and teeth instead. The ideal way of toothbrushing is movement-based. Up and down movement of the toothbrush engages both gums and teeth and eliminates the food particles stuck between the spaces of teeth.
According to studies, it has been deciphered that the invention of a toothbrush is primarily to provide the right grip to the tool using a thumb and fingertips (apparently four fingers).
Oral Care with Ayurveda
India is also considered a treasure-land of spices which have medicinal properties. The secret that origin of Ayurveda (a classification of medicinal studies with natural products) has been unearthed from ancient India is known to the entire world. Since time immemorial, our ancestors have been instilling knowledge in us about the medicinal properties in each spice we use in our own kitchen.
So, obviously, there is a solution for oral health care (like combatting gum and tooth problems). Some of the spices, we can easily find in our homes and kitchen gardens are Clove, Fennel, Neem bark and leaf, Grapeseed, rosemary, lime flower, chamomile, etc. These herbs certainly have remarkable qualities to ascertain the overall health of gums and teeth.
The function of Saliva in Maintaining Healthy Gums and Teeth
Human saliva is a blessing in disguise and has its significance in maintaining oral health.
Based on several researches, it has been confirmed that the principle behind the right toothbrushing techniques (as mentioned above) is to stimulate the saliva glands and enzymes to moisten the oral circumference that reacts with the toothpaste or powder to release antiseptic properties (which engage in the maintenance of gums and teeth) by neutralizing the pH or acidity inside the mouth.
Dental care in Children
Are you aware that dental care has a significant role in the overall child’s cognitive development during his or her growing years? Well, it is true! Children are prone to indulging into chocolates, cakes, pastries, candies, basically anything that’s sweet. We already know that too much sugar intake is apparently alarming, especially when it comes to oral health matrices. Thus, it is truly important to inculcate healthy practices in children from their early childhood years. Children adapt to habits at a much faster pace than adults. So, let us look at some of the healthy habits we can instill in our children. (See also: 5 Best Way to Inspire Your Kids for Healthy Dental Habits)
- Toddlers above the age of 2 years must be stopped from ‘Non-nutritive’ sucking habits from feeding bottles as it causes plaque formation in them at an early age.
- Regular toothbrushing practice, mandatorily twice a day, helps get rid of unhealthy bacterial colonization in them.
- Parents must identify healthier food substitutes (in the form of fruits and vegetables) for their child, rather than giving in to their tantrums for junk food.
- Calcium is one of the most important components for healthy teeth and bones.
- Proper dental care can be achieved by visiting a well-recognized Dental Clinic in Mumbai (while you are in Mumbai or resident of the state) for children.
Oral health and care in Pregnant women
Pregnant women can experience ‘Gingivits’ which is a term to address the redness, swelling or even bleeding of gums. It is, therefore, indispensable to protect expecting mothers from gum problems and tooth decay. The hormonal changes in an expecting mother give rise to weird cravings, more often than not for sweets and unhealthy stuff. Listed below are a few steps for overall maternal well-being and keeping periodontal diseases at bay.
- Brushing the teeth twice daily.
- Flossing at least once a day.
- Consumption of more quantities of fruits.
- Reducing the intake of sugar and sugar-related products.
Thus, awareness about how to use the toothbrush right (whether it is in children or adults) can eventually help heal gum infections and counter the attack of germs and bacteria in that area of the mouth. Ask your Cosmetic Dentist in Mumbai, Dentist in Delhi, or even the attendant at the Dental Clinic in Mumbai about the right toothbrushing techniques (if you are not doing it right) as it is the first step towards prevention of oral illness and gum sores and maintaining healthy gums and teeth.
About The Author:
Natasha Almeida can be found writing, designing and blogging all sort of great content. Convinced with her knowledge in dentistry, she loves writing articles related to cosmetic dentistry or be it dental Implants. With a detailed eye on the quality of the article, she tries simplifying complex topics.
