Christmas is just around the corner and it means a lot more consumption of sugary food than usual. During this time of the year people are advised by their dentists to take extra care of their mouth.
When people think of oral hygiene, they think about preventing gum diseases, keeping healthy smile and fresh breath. Proper oral hygiene is about more than clean teeth and fresh minty breath; it is one of the best ways to help maintain good overall health.
“Its very important to maintain oral hygiene especially around Christmas time because we indulge in a lot of sweets, we indulge in chocolates and cakes which are high in sugar and that being high in sugar can cause cavities and other infections in the mouth,” says Dr. Navneet Brar.
Christmas season is all about tempting food like hot chocolate, cookies, cakes and candies. Along with extra intake of unhealthy food, brushing thoroughly at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day is necessary to maintain good oral hygiene.
“Once bacteria starts to metabolise the sugar it produces by-products which is acidic and those by-products lead to cavities,” Brar further says, “it’s incredibly important to brush your teeth before going to bed and equally as important to floss.”
Practicing good oral hygiene habits helps maintain lasting durability and function of your teeth. Poor habits can lead to cavities, tooth loss, and infected or inflamed gums, all of which hamper your ability to eat health foods.
Proper oral hygiene just doesn’t mean the cleanliness of the mouth, it affects the overall well being of an individual.
- Women with gum disease show a greater incidence of pre-term, low-birth-weight babies.
- Infections of mouth increases risk to other major organs like lungs, heart and liver.
- Chewing problem can lead to intestinal failure.
- Improper oral hygiene can lead to digestive disorders.
What makes up good oral hygiene?
Make sure your daily oral care includes brushing twice a day, flossing before going to bed, using mouthwash after every meal and regular dental check-up. It’s essential that you schedule your routine visits every six months, and sooner if you notice any pain, discomfort or sustain injuries to the mouth.
