Maintaining good dental hygiene Wimbledon is imperative for your overall well-being, as it keeps your teeth and gums healthy and free of disease. Most, if not all dental issues can be prevented or avoided by practising the simplest of dental hygiene techniques.
Research has found a connection between poor dental hygiene and several life-threatening health conditions, such as heart disease and stroke. Additionally, oral diseases as a result of poor dental hygiene can be unsightly, debilitating and costly, so at Wimbledon Dental Care, we highly recommend the practice of good dental hygiene and regular visits to the dentist.
What dental issues are caused by poor dental hygiene?
Tooth decay is the most common dental disease worldwide despite being preventable in most cases. It occurs when bacteria in your mouth produce acids that attack the enamel of your teeth, resulting in cavities in your teeth. If left untreated, you can experience side effects, including pain, infection and, in the worst case, even tooth loss.
Another common dental disease we see due to poor dental hygiene Wimbledon is gingivitis; this is characterised by the inflammation of the gum tissue due to the formation of plaque. If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into a more serious disease called Periodontal disease which begins to affect the tissue, which is responsible for supporting the teeth and causes progressive loss of the bone beneath the teeth. When this is not treated in time, the affected teeth loosen and eventually begin to fall out.
How to prevent dental diseases
To prevent developing dental diseases, it is vital to maintain good dental hygiene Wimbledon by having an overall strategy of satisfactory dental care at home and visiting the dentist regularly. We recommend visiting your dentist at least twice a year for a thorough check for any signs of disease and a deep clean of your teeth. Whilst you may be taking precautions at home by brushing and flossing regularly, having your teeth cleaned professionally by a dentist or dental hygienist will ensure that the areas that are hard to reach with a regular toothbrush are cleaned thoroughly. Your dentist can also provide you with information on how to prevent oral diseases and the best ways you can take care of your teeth.
Most dental diseases can be prevented through good oral hygiene habits, with the most obvious being brushing at least twice a day with toothpaste containing fluoride. It is also important to floss regularly to remove food and dirt that the bristles of a toothbrush may not be able to reach. Rinsing your mouth with a fluoride mouthwash will also eradicate any bacteria that linger on your teeth, tongue and gums.
How diet can help improve your dental hygiene
An aspect of good dental hygiene that most people ignore is maintaining a healthy diet and eating and drinking habits. It is best to avoid foods and drinks containing a high content of sugar and starch, which can otherwise lead to cavities and decay. It is also best to avoid regular snacking and to stick to whole meals. Additionally, smoking and excessive alcohol or caffeinated drinks can lead to staining and tooth decay, so it is best to avoid these where possible.