A healthy mouth contributes to your overall wellbeing. Here are nine ways you can look after your oral health between dental visits.
As we get older maintaining our health is important as it contributes directly to maintaining our lifestyle, freedom, and independence. It is inevitable that as we age we start to notice some wear and tear on our bodies. But there are plenty of precautions we can take to ensure we stay in good shape.
One of these is maintaining good oral health as it has direct impacts on us as certain diseases of the mouth can directly affect or are associated with a person’s general health. For example, periodontitis or gum disease can be linked to cardiovascular disease.
Regular dentist visits and maintaining good oral hygiene are vital to preventing diseases which manifest intra-orally. Your dentist will be able to identify early warning signs, and implement swift interventions and treatments for a wide range of oral health issues. Maintaining teeth for life is vital as it also directly impacts our ability to chew and gain important nutrients from a wide variety of healthy foods.
Nine ways to look after your oral health
It's important to take care of your teeth and gum between dental visits. Be sure to follow these simple steps to help maintain good oral care at home:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day
- Use fluoridated toothpaste
- Use a mouthwash to help control plaque bacteria (this will also help to keep your breath fresh)
- Floss daily
- Eat a balanced diet which is low in sugar
- Limit acidic drinks like soft drinks, cordials and fruit juices
- Don’t smoke or consume excessive amounts of alcohol
- Avoid using your teeth for anything other than chewing food
- Protect your teeth from injury where possible
Remember, a healthy mouth promotes good general health and well being.
Karen Jones has more than 30 years of experience in the oral health industry. Prior to joining TAFE Queensland almost 20 years ago, she worked for Queensland Oral Health and as a Senior Dental Assistant at Brisbane Dental Hospital. She is passionate about ensuring that the next generation of oral health workers are highly skilled.