Did You Know That Improper Dental Hygiene Can Lead To Heart Disease?

Even in the good old days, Captain Jack Sparrow and Captain Barbossa needed to brush their teeth. There was no available mouthwashes and mouth freshners around. Oral cleaning was required to make the teeth strong and functional. Unlike modern society, who like to hit the snooze button twice, cutting down on brushing time and making it up with Listerine; folks who maintain proper dental hygiene routines also have better overall health. Improper dental health has also been linked to an increased risk of heart attacks. Here is general guideline for an optimal dental care routine:

1. Proper Brushing

Brush your teeth to make them sparkle. Your toothbrush should be angled at 45 degrees near the gum line and move the brush gently in a back-and-forth, up-and-down motion. Brush the surface of your tongue and the roof of your mouth too, this effectively removes bad breath. Also try brushing twice a day or at least cleanse your mouth thoroughly with water after every meal to decrease the chances of a bacterial infestation.

2. Flossing

Flossing is a crucial element that makes up a proper dental care routine. Flossing helps rid your mouth of food particles, removes plaque and any other substances that are not able to be cleaned by a toothbrush. Dentists recommend to floss at least once in a day.

3. Abstain From Tobacco

Do your teeth a favour and eliminate tobacco from your life. It saves you from oral cancer and numerous other periodontal complications. Smoking also causes stains to your teeth.

4. Limit Sodas, Coffee & Alcohol

Sugary drinks can pose a threat to your teeth. Carbonated drinks aggravate the conditions as carbonation increases acidity that is detrimental for your oral health. Phosphorous in extreme levels can reduce the body’s calcium level making you prone to gum diseases and tooth decay.

5. Increase Your Calcium Intake

Teeth love calcium. Milk, orange juice, broccoli and dairy products (like cheese and yogurt) can provide many benefits your teeth. For a strong set of white pearly teeth, remember to give your body the calcium it needs.

6. Tongue Cleaning

Eliminate the countless bacteria which lurk on your tongue which contributes to halitosis and this negatively affects your dental health. Always remember to clean your tongue after brushing and flossing. The best form would be to start from the back of the tongue and swipe down with your brush and rinse with water. Repeat this process until your clean your entire tongue.

7. Don’t Forget Mouthwash

Adding in mouthwash to your dental hygiene routine adds additional benefits for your mouth by removing bacteria. The best time to use mouthwash can be either in the morning or at night before going to bed. Also remember not to eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after using mouthwash.

8. Visit Your Local Dentist

Let your local dentist help you with your oral health issues. Bruxism, oral cancer, gingivitis or xerostomia – all of these can be prevented with proactive dental care & treatments. This is where regular checkups with your dentist proves to be a necessity for your dental health. It’s best to follow an optimal dental health cleaning regimen to avoid any health complications from arising in the future.