Even if you had excellent childhood oral healthcare, oral health problems can still develop in adulthood. Some of the most common adulthood oral health issues include tooth loss, gum disease, oral cancer, and cavities. To avoid the recurrence or fresh development of these issues, you must maintain some practical oral hygiene habits as an adult. Below, we’ll look at three important oral health hygiene habits every adult must maintain to stay away from common oral health problems.
Brushing Twice Daily
While dental professionals recommend brushing at least twice a day, not every adult adheres to this recommendation. According to a UK government oral health report, only about 78% of reported adults with natural teeth brush their teeth at least twice a day. This means more than 20% of the population doesn’t brush their teeth at all or brushes fewer than the recommended number of times per day.
As the foundation of a strong dental healthcare routine, brushing your teeth at least twice a day prevents the buildup of plaque, which often causes gum disease. The bacteria building up on teeth when one fails to brush can also increase the chances of a heart attack or stroke in severe cases. Brushing at least twice a day rids your teeth of these bacteria, keeping you safe from several associated diseases.
Visiting a Dentist At Least Twice Yearly
It’s common for children to visit the dentist more often than adults because their teeth are still developing, making them susceptible to several dental issues, including cavities. However, this doesn’t mean adults are safe from teeth problems and should shun regular visits to the dentist. Visiting a reputable dental facility like the Renew Family Dental can help you keep track of your dental health, avoiding any surprise issues like cavities and gum disease.
These visits are also crucial for spotting other health issues at their infant stages. This is because there is a connection between a person’s oral health and their overall long-term health. Most diseases, like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, show early symptoms associated with the mouth, like mouth ulcers, gum issues, and dry mouth.
A Good Diet and Healthy Lifestyle
Your mouth is the gateway to all manner of food you eat, and it can have a direct impact on your overall oral health. Monitoring your diet closely to ensure you only consume healthy meals can positively impact your oral health and vice versa. The first place to start is to avoid excessive sugary foods, as they feed harmful bacteria that release acids that attack the enamel. Healthy alternatives like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can work better at improving your oral hygiene.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by avoiding harmful practices like excessive alcohol and smoking can also help improve your oral health. While moderate alcohol intake can be enjoyable, excessive consumption can dry out your mouth, minimizing the saliva flow and exposing the teeth to higher risks of decay. On the other hand, smoking can stain the teeth, increase the risk of oral cancer, and gum disease. Avoiding any form of unhealthy lifestyle will get your overall health in check, including oral health.
Maintaining these healthy oral hygiene habits ensures you achieve a beautiful smile and improved overall health. Investing in your oral health can be the change your body awaits to perform at its optimal peak once again.
