Tooth Cleanliness – Lasting Health | Dr. Ben Wang DDS

Children and adults alike are susceptible to getting various dental and oral problems and diseases. That is why it is essentially important to have the awareness on having good oral hygiene. Oral hygiene is the habit of keeping the mouth healthy and clean, and starts with effective brushing and flossing to prevent tooth decay and complicated diseases such as periodontal disease (gum disease) and tooth loss.

The ability to maintain oral hygiene should start from infancy throughout adulthood. With proper brushing and flossing, oral health problems can be prevented especially for adults who can possibly lose all their teeth in their lifetime. Oral care even improves your quality of life as it preserves eating functions and preserves normal speech.

There are a lot of benefits you can get if only you are able to maintain good oral hygiene. Aside from having a beautifully white smile, you will also be able to avoid bad breath, serious medical complication resulting from poor oral health, and dental problems which you can just avoid.

SOME OF THESE ARE THE FOLLOWING:

PLAQUE – Plaque or dental plaque is a sticky deposit on teeth where bacteria proliferate. The acid produced from sugar and starch from food particles destroys the outer enamel of teeth, causes gum bleeding and produces foul breath. It is formed on the teeth 12 hours after brushing, so that is why it is necessary to brush at least twice a day.

GINGIVITIS – Gingivitis is an inflammation of gums with painless bleeding during flossing and brushing.

This is already a mild and an initial stage of gum disease but the easiest to treat. But if it is not promptly treated, this can cause a lot of headache and may cause a great deal of money to be spent because progression to Periodontitis could come after as more serious result.

PERIODONTITIS – Periodontitis is another result of poor oral hygiene. This is a more serious case as it can destroy the structures and bone supporting your teeth and cause tooth loss or worse, more serious health problems such as heart attack and stroke. On the other hand, it is highly preventable if proper oral care is maintained especially brushing, flossing and regular checkups.

TARTAR- Tartar is formed as the plaque hardens if not removed regularly. Tartar is a yellow or brown mineral deposit and it allows or provides additional rough surfaces where plaque can grow. And if it is not given immediate attention and starts growing in the gum line, tartar can progress to more serious problems such as the gum (periodontal) disease.

TOOTH DECAY – Tooth decay, also known as cavities or dental caries, occurs when the teeth’s enamel is broken down due to bacteria build up. The decay begins at the portion of the teeth where enamel is destroyed and can go deeper into the underlying layer (dentin), and can eventually reach the nerve of the tooth. This is characterized by pain in chewing or toothache, and sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks. This also has to be treated promptly to avoid complete loss of the damaged tooth and also to prevent infection from developing and spreading.

Below are some of the many ways by which you can maintain good oral health:

1. Proper Brushing – To keep your teeth clean, one of the easiest things you can do is to brush your teeth twice daily.

2. Flossing – Flossing can help you remove food particles stuck between your teeth that toothbrush cannot remove or even mouthwash cannot wash away.

3. Avoid cigarettes and tobacco – Staying from tobacco and cigarettes will help you stay away from cancer and from periodontal complications. You will also not have to worry about the bad breath it leaves you.

4. Increase consumption of calcium and vitamins that are good for the body – your teeth needs more calcium just like your bones. It is recommended to drink milk, orange juice and eat healthy food like broccoli, cheese and other dairy products.

5. Visit your dentist regularly – Visit your dentist twice a year so you can have a complete oral hygiene treatment performed including cleaning and X-rays to help prevent and detect future dental problems.

6. Use mouthwash – Aside from brushing and flossing, you can also use mouthwash to kill the bacteria around your mouth. It can also help you maintain good breath and strong teeth.

Contact Centerport Family and Implant Dentistry for best  Dental Services in Portland OR  .Conveniently Located in Downtown Portland 610 SW Alder Street, Ste 1105 Portland, OR 97205