Dental and oral health is an important part of your overall health. Poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay and gum disease and is also linked to heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is a lifelong responsibility. It will be easier to prevent costly dental procedures and long-term health problems if you first learn proper oral hygiene habits, such as brushing your teeth, flossing, and limiting your sugar intake.
Dental care: Like many conditions, early intervention to treat gum disease prolongs the life of your teeth. If you have swollen or bleeding gums, or if your teeth are loose, consult your dentist or oral health professional. Your dentist or oral hygienist will examine your gums with a probe to measure the spaces between your teeth and gums. This determines the health of your gums and supporting structures. If necessary, a dentist or oral health professional will teach you dental cleaning techniques or have your teeth professionally cleaned to remove dental plaque and calculus (hardened plaque).
To Protect Your Oral Health;
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet with fresh fruit and vegetables, lean meat, fish and wholegrains.
- Avoid saturated fats.
- Limit sugary foods and drinks at meal times.
- Brush your teeth and gums twice a day with toothpaste.
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups.
- Avoid smoking.
