Healthy Habits...

Getting rid of bad habits is as important as forming good ones... 

From poor diet and smoking to betel nut chewing, we expose our mouth to a fair bit of harm. 

 Here are the more common aspects of daily living that we should avoid or at least TRY TO AVOID... 

 Smoking 

First step...

Make the decision to quit smoking! 

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* Tobacco slows the healing process after dental procedures like a tooth extraction.

* Tobacco use causes bad breath and stains your teeth and tongue. 

 *Tobacco, chewed or inhaled, exposes the mouth to chemicals that can caused disease and oral cancer.

 Poor eating habits. 

*Choose a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables and fruits as well dairy products to strengthen teeth and gums. 

*Avoid foods with a high sugar content especially sticky ones eg, nisan @ gula melaka, bcoz sugar creates an acidic environment which promotes bacterial growth in the mouth. 

*This causes bad breath, tooth decay

 and gum infection. 

*Avoid snacking between meals bcoz such foods are rarely mouth healthy!

 If you must have a bite, chew.....

Sugarless gum immediately after. 

This produces more saliva in the mouth which washes out food and neutralises the acid that causes tooth decay. 

*Never snack before bedtime, bcoz reduced saliva production while you sleep cannot clear food particles left in the mouth. 

This increases the risk of tooth decay. 

 Keep your Dental Appointments. 

 Much as we dread them, dental check-ups are important if you want to keep that sparkling smile. A trip twice a year is recommended for cleaning and examinations for tooth decay, gum disease and other health problems. 

Keeping that appointment is very important bcoz... 

*We prevent tooth decay, 

*Prevent gum disease,

* Shortens your dental check ups which makes each trip more pleasant ,

*Save money by avoiding costly dental procedures, *Keep teeth free of food, drinks 

and tobacco staining,

most of all... 

Improves overall health Increase the possibility of your teeth lasting a lifetime. 

 Pay attention to your mouth. 

 Seek immediate dental attention if you notice the following changes in your mouth... 

*Red, tender or swollen gums 

*Gums that bleed when you brush or floss 

*Gums that begin pulling away from teeth 

*Loose teeth Changes in the way your top and bottom teeth align with each other 

*Unusual sensitivity to hot and cold. 

 The signs of a healthy mouth are : 

 1. No visible plaque 

2. Tartar free 

3. Healthy gums and soft tissue 

4. No cavity 

5. Healthy natural teeth 

6. Fresh breath 

 Your dedication to oral hygiene will ensure both your oral and overall health... 

Maintaining Oral Hygiene. 

 As we know, habits are formed early, so it is important that good oral care starts at a young age. A few points that should be a permanent part of your daily routine and also your children.

 Brushing Teeth and tongue! 

At least twice a day... 

In the morning & before bed. 

Replace your toothbrush every 3 months or less bcoz old bristles are no longer effective.

 Ensure that your toothpaste contains fluoride as this helps tooth decay. 

  Brushing is not enough u got to Floss..

You should floss to ensure that hard to reach gaps between teeth are free of food debris which is source of bacterial growth. 

Not forgetting....

 Rinsing with antiseptic rinses helps. 

 Antiseptic rinses reach the entire mouth area to kill bacteria and prevent accumulation of plaque between teeth.

  Again, Oral Hygiene 

- A Key to Better Health...

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 Smile..