How to keep a healthy mouth and teeth when you’re sick.
As we know, oral health is directly linked to overall health and well-being. Although it takes a bit more effort when feeling down, you’ll want to make sure to keep a dental hygiene routine to avoid other dental issues.
Besides protecting yourself from mouth problems affecting the rest of your body, maintaining a good cleaning oral routine definitely will make you feel a little better. The following are some of the best and easy practices to keep a healthy mouth and teeth.
Building Hygiene Habits for Healthy Mouth and Teeth
Practicing good oral hygiene is something that should be of concern to all of us.
“Visit the dentists for regular checkups, brush twice a day, floss daily” we have all heard what the experts recommend again and again to help prevent cavities and gum disease. But then, still, how are many people suffering from tooth pain, tooth loss, and some serious oral complications?
Everybody is different from one another, and so are our dental needs. By following these oral care recommendations, we want to help many to take charge of their oral health at home and prevent not only dental troubles but also possible health problems.
1. Brushing your teeth effectively
Plaque contains bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. Everyone develops it because of the constant growth of bacteria in our mouths. As it is a colorless film is not easy to see.
Brushing our teeth properly is the essential first step to a healthy mouth and teeth. Brushing twice a day helps to maintain teeth clean by removing bacteria and plaque.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends using a soft-bristled toothbrush and not brushing too hard. This, to avoid any damage to the tooth enamel and the gums.
Remember that the brush has a product life cycle and does not last forever. It is very important to change the toothbrush for a new one every three months. Read what Algodones dentists say about how often you should change your toothbrush.
2. Brushing teeth with fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride is a mineral often added to toothpaste because of its beneficial effects. Experts based on research believe that fluoride helps reduce and prevent cavities. Also, it can help with tooth decay, as fluoride in toothpaste and also in water, helps the tooth enamel remain strong.
So, it’s clear you can find and get the benefits of this mineral by using some dental products like toothbrushes and mouthwash. And also, people can ask their water supply or local government whether the area contains fluoride.
3. When is the best time to floss?
Floss daily, we often hear this advice from a dentist, and this is why: Cleaning between teeth daily with floss may help prevent gum disease and cavities. Plaque that is not removed will eventually harden into tartar, which leads to more serious problems like gum disease. Tartar can only be removed by a dentist.
So, when should I floss, in the morning or at night?
As long as you daily clean between teeth to avoid these problems. Many times, we don’t take the necessary time to do a complete oral routine. The best advice is to pick out a time of the day when you can devote the appropriate amount of time for an optimal cleanse in order to ensure a healthy mouth and teeth.
4. Mouth rinse can make a difference.
Vomiting is one unfortunate side effect of many illnesses. When this happens, stomach acids come in contact with the teeth and coated them which is very harmful to the healthy mouth and teeth.
Experts recommend swishing with water, a diluted mouth rinse, it can be a mixture of water and 1 tsp. of baking soda. This, to help wash the acid away. Spit, and brush about 30 minutes later.
It is very important to wait and don’t brush too soon, that will just rub that acid all over the hard outer shell of the teeth. That’s why the 30 minutes later recommendation.
5. The importance of a Healthy Diet
As mentioned before, problems in your mouth can affect the rest of the body. Especially when you are ill, the more important food choices are for good well-being, and also for healthy mouth and teeth.
The key is to eat a balanced diet and more importantly, to limit the amount of sugar you eat and drink. Foods and beverages that contain sugar of any kind contribute to tooth decay, which happens when plaque comes into contact with sugar in the healthy mouth and teeth.
Make sure to eat and snack smart, not only to keep a healthy mouth and tooth but also for good health.
- Drink plenty of water, this is a must when feeling sick.
- Keep a well-balanced diet by including a variety of the following group of foods: whole grains, vegetables, and higher fiber fruits.
- Low-fat and free dairy products, such as yogurt and cheese.
Benefits of Seeing a Dentist Regularly
Regular dental visits are a way to prevent dental disease, also to check for signs of other and more serious conditions like cancer.
It is not our porpoise to frighten anybody, our aim is to raise awareness of how an often visit the dentist's office can positively affect an individual’s health.
Gum disease
Did you know almost half of the adults over 30 have gum disease? And some of them may not even know!
Periodontitis, generally called gum disease can end with a loss if not early detected and properly treated.
When brush or flossing at home, pay attention to visible changes in the mouth, for example red, swollen, or tender gums. This is a good sign to call the dentist of your trust and schedule a visit.
Cleanings
During dental cleanings, the dentist checks the cleanliness of the patient’s mouth, teeth, and gums. He or she proceeds to remove any plaque and tartar buildup.
In the end, the dentists recommend some brushing and flossing techniques. This is the perfect opportunity to ask any doubts about the type of toothbrush or the toothpaste with fluoride he/she recommends.
Head and Neck Examination
Mouth and throat cancer are common diseases. During the consultation, the dentist checks the lymph nodes and lower jaw joints for any signs of cancer. Like every disease, early treatment can always make a difference.
Remember that the mouth can show if the rest of the body is healthy or not. In addition, that dentists will always pay attention to the overall health of patients.
The American Dental Association (ADA) shared these personalized evidence-based recommendations worth sharing:
- For those with an increased risk of gum disease, consider mouth rinse or toothpaste with proven antimicrobial activity.
- For those with an increased risk of caries, consider fluoridated mouth rinse.
- For those patients who struggle to clean between their teeth, consider an interdental tool, such as dental floss and wood sticks.
- For those patients needing improved plaque removal, consider a power toothbrush.
Sani Dental Group
Getting treated at our facility means being surrounded by some of the best dentists in Mexico.
Their knowledge, continuous training, and detailed work are supported by years of studies and professional international courses.
When visiting Sani Dental Group, patients can expect to find different specialists prepared to help them with their dental needs.
From a simple procedure like cleaning to more complex and laborious treatment, like a root canal to remove any infection.
Among the dental specialties patients can find at Sani Dental Group, there is oral surgery, implantology, periodontics, and, endodontics.
With an on-site laboratory that differences us from other clinics, we’re able to offer our patients a more precise diagnosis, all in the same place!
Most of our patients come from far away, which is why it is important for us to make sure their Mexico dental experience turns as easy as possible. We must strive to make sure our patients get the treatment and proper care they deserve.
- Two different locations, 3 clinics. In the last years, Sani Dental Group has grown and more people have entrusted us with their smiles. This has ensured that we continue helping many more and give them another destination option.
- Shuttle Service. For all Sani Dental Group patients, we provide a safe, comfortable, shuttle service arranged to and from the nearest airport, the border, to and from our clinics. This guarantees their safety and comfort at every moment.
- Special Rates at the closest hotels. Lodging service with preferential rates at some of the best, yet affordable hotels near the Sani Dental Group offices.
- We accept different forms of payment such as cash, personal and traveler's checks, credit cards.
- At Sani Dental Group we believe in being forthright and transparent. Our prices are public on our web page and social media channels.
- All of the doctors and staff at Sani Dental Group are bilingual. Plus, they have years of experience treating foreign patients, their personalized care with patients excels in their everyday work.
Disclaimer: Open dentist to help you with your dental needs. We are taking additional special measures following CDC recommendations to ensure your health and safety.