Our dental hygiene is one aspect of our overall health that we can have direct control when it comes to preventing disease. Unlike other aspects of our body where disease can strike at any time, tooth decay and gum disease can be prevented by an active and efficient daily dental hygiene routine.
The most obvious aspects of dental hygiene are brushing and flossing. These form the backbone of dental hygiene helping to remove dangerous plaque which causes the breakdown of tooth enamel and gum disease. Brushing removes the sticky plaque from the front and back surface of the tooth and makes it smooth so it is more difficult for plaque to stick to. Flossing removes plaque from the difficult to reach parts between the teeth and under the gum line. It also remove strapped food debris which can decay and release sulphurous smells that cause bad breath.
Dentists also recommend using a tongue cleaner to remove bacteria from the tongue. The soft and moist grooves of the tongue are the perfect place for bacteria to breed so by keeping it clean it will benefit the health of your whole mouth. It may also be a good idea to use an inter-dental brush to clean the smaller areas between the teeth. Mouthwashes can benefit oral health but some of them can remove too much of the bacteria in the mouth causing an imbalance which can have a negative impact on the health of the mouth.
For more information on how to best keep your teeth and mouth clean and healthy and the importance of doing so, ask a Leeds dentist at your next six-month check up.
Tags: bad breath, brushing and flossing, gum disease, oral hygiene
