Did you know that your mouth is home to up to 20 billion–yes, billion–bacteria? Your mouth is an open vessel to your internal systems, so those bacteria can enter your bloodstream. Because of this, oral health and whole-body health are intertwined. Poor oral hygiene can lead to systemic health problems and on the flip side, good oral hygiene contributes to good overall health.
If you’ve not seen the dentist in the last six months or longer, call Austin Laser Dentist at 512-346-4690 to schedule a checkup and cleaning. We are accepting new patients and look forward to sharing our five-star service to you and your loved ones!
What Is Good Oral Hygiene?
Oral hygiene refers to the health of your mouth and all of its components: teeth, gums, tongue, jawbone, jaw joints, other soft tissues, and the oral microbiome. What’s a microbiome? It’s a big word that means the collective microorganisms in the mouth, like bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The microbiome is affected by diet, pH level, oral hygiene, stress, medications, and many other factors.
If you consistently practice a good oral care routine at home, attend six-month checkups and cleanings in our office, and undergo restorative procedures when necessary, you can achieve and maintain good oral hygiene. Neglecting any of these can result in poor oral hygiene, which involves the infection, damage, and in some cases loss of oral structures (teeth, gum tissue, jawbone tissue).
But taking care of your mouth at home isn’t difficult. Oral hygiene care must be practiced daily and consistently. Here’s the ideal oral hygiene routine:
- Brush for two minutes in the morning and in the evening
- Use a soft bristled toothbrush
- Use fluoridated toothpaste
- Use a tongue scraper (optional)
- Use antibacterial mouthwash (optional)
- Every evening, before brushing, thoroughly floss your teeth
- Use the type of floss you like best
A tongue scraper is a plastic, handheld tool that safely removes plaque and debris from the bumpy surface of your tongue. They are available at pharmacies and online for a few dollars. Using a tongue scraper daily can help improve breath and the microbiome. Mouthwash, as well, reduces oral bacteria and improves breath.
Tips for Good Oral Health
- Eat a healthy diet, rich in fruits and vegetables instead of processed foods
- Eat calcium-rich foods like milk, cheese, salmond, and dark leafy greens
- Eat phosphorus-rich foods like lean meat, eggs, dairy, and beans
- Eat vitamin C-rich foods like tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli, and peppers
- Drink eight or more glasses of water every day–more if you’ll be outdoors or at a high elevation
- Avoid smoking as well as excessive alcohol consumption
- Manage stress well
- If you take medication regularly, ask your doctor if it has any oral health implications, like causing dry mouth
- If your mouth is dry, chew sugar free gum or use artificial saliva spray (comes in gel or paste also)
Benefits of Good Oral Hygiene
- Deter Cavities
Tooth decay, also called caries or cavities, occurs when bad oral bacteria attacks and eats softened tooth enamel. Though extremely hard when fully mineralized, tooth enamel temporarily softens after we consume starches, including sugar. In the soft state, enamel is vulnerable. A good diet low in starches and sugars, and plenty of hydration, helps keep tooth enamel healthy. - Deter Gum Disease
When plaque builds up on teeth and hardens into tartar (or calculus), gums can become infected. We call this gingivitis or gum disease, and it’s linked to a heightened risk for heart disease, respiratory issues, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other systemic health concerns. - Deter Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is usually associated with heavy smoking or alcohol consumption, but oral and esophageal cancer can develop in anyone. Found and treated early, oral cancer has a high survival rate, though it can become fatal. - Reduce Risk for Heart Disease
- Reduce Risk for Respiratory Infections
- Support Diabetes Management
- Improve Pregnancy Outcomes
- Boost Mental Health
We’ll Help You Restore Good Oral Health
If you’re concerned about your oral health, you may notice issues like bad breath; gums that are red, tender, or sore; gums bleed when brushed; loose or painful teeth; or a toothache. Call Dr. Helen Ragsdale in Austin today at 513-346-4690 to schedule a consultation. After a comprehensive oral examination, she will help you decide upon the best treatment plan to restore total oral health, comfortable function, and a head-turning smile. Invest in yourself. Invest in your health!
