Oral and dental health is a reflection of the health of the body

Canker sores, swollen gums, bad breath, or cavities are some examples of poor oral and dental health. In fact, teeth or gum problems do not just make it difficult to eat or talk.

A study found that poor oral and dental health can cause various complications of dangerous diseases.

Bacteria in the mouth that can be harmful is known as the oral microbiome. The bacteria live on the inner cheeks, tongue, palate, tonsils and gums. If the environment in the mouth is too acidic, humid, and dirty, disease-causing bacteria can thrive.

Not only in the mouth, bacteria can enter the bloodstream so that they can move to the heart, intestines and brain. One of the harmful bacteria that can cause inflammation in the body is Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) which includes the bacteria that cause gum problems.

A study conducted by the Faculty of Medicine University of Louisville shows that the amount of Pg in the brains of Alzheimer's sufferers is higher than the brains of healthy people. This suggests that the oral microbiome can travel to the brain and cause infection.

Therefore, here are easy ways to take care of daily oral health.

Daily habits to maintain oral and dental health

1. Don't brush your teeth too hard

One of the goals of a toothbrush is to remove dental plaque. However, if you brush your teeth too hard, the friction can tear the gums and erode the relatively thin tooth enamel. As a result, your teeth can become more sensitive.

In addition, improperly brushing your teeth can make dental plaque build up and harden, which can lead to gingivitis (gum inflammation). Brushing the teeth should be done gently in a circular motion and massaging the teeth for about two minutes.

2. Brush your teeth regularly

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, American Dental Association recommend to brush your teeth regularly twice a day. Because brushing teeth is useful for cleaning food residue and plaque that contains bacteria in it.

Quoted from The American Dental Association, proper and correct brushing technique, namely:

1. Try to position the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle facing the gums
2. Start slowly moving the toothbrush back and forth
3. Clean the outside, inside, and surface of the teeth for chewing
4. Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside of your front teeth

In addition to brushing your teeth, you are also advised to brush your tongue to remove germs or plaque that sticks to the tongue.

3. Use fluoride toothpaste

Fluoride is a natural element that you can find in toothpaste.

Fluoride is absorbed by the body and then used by the cells that make up your teeth to strengthen tooth enamel. Fluoride is also the main defense against tooth decay which works by fighting germs and providing natural protection for your teeth.

4. Using dental floss

If you don't have time to brush your teeth after eating, you can prevent toothaches by using dental floss. Dental floss is able to clean particles and plaque that are left behind and still accumulate because they are difficult to reach.

5. Using mouthwash or gargling with a salt solution

Apart from getting rid of bad breath, mouthwash can also be relied upon to prevent toothaches. The content in mouthwash is claimed to be able to control bacterial growth while reducing plaque that is still attached.

Apart from gargling with mouthwash, you can also use natural methods to prevent toothaches, namely by regularly gargling with salt water.

Natural disinfectant solutions in salt can also heal wounds and soothe sore throats.

6. Chew gum

Chewing sugar-free gum is believed to increase saliva in the oral cavity. This increase in salivary flow helps neutralize and remove acids produced when food is broken down by bacteria in dental plaque.

When you chew gum, saliva can also help reduce plaque, strengthen teeth, and prevent cavities.

7. Don't smoke

Tobacco can cause teeth to turn yellow and lips to blacken. Smoking also increases your risk of developing gum disease and oral cancer. Therefore, it's a good idea to quit smoking to avoid dental and mouth problems.

8. Drink more water

Water is the best drink for your health, including for oral health. Drinking water can help wash away some of the negative effects of food and drink sticking to your teeth.

9. Limit consumption of sweet and sour foods

Consumption of sweet foods should not be excessive. These types of food are converted to acid by bacteria in the mouth which can then eat away at your tooth enamel.

Sugary foods can produce acids that can cause cavities in your teeth quickly. There is no need to completely stop consuming sugar or sugary foods, just limit the amount you consume.

10. Eat nutritious foods

Like water, eating nutritious food is also good for the health of your teeth and mouth. Nutritious foods such as whole grains, nuts, fruits, vegetables and dairy products can provide you with the nutrients you need.

In fact, a study found that the healthy omega-3 fats in seafood reduce the risk of inflammation, thereby lowering the risk of gum disease.

11. Routinely check teeth to the doctor

You should do this one way to prevent toothache. Even though everyone has different oral and dental conditions, it is advisable to check their teeth regularly every 6 months.

Routine dental check-ups to the doctor can help you find oral and dental problems before it's too late.