8 Essential Rules for Oral and Dental Care
Regular oral and dental care is crucial for maintaining overall health. Insufficient oral hygiene can lead to numerous health problems.
“We only visit the dentist when absolutely necessary.”
In our country, dentistry is mostly treatment-focused, with preventive care being less common. While visits due to pain complaints are more frequent, only 9% of people without complaints visit the dentist regularly. The average use of a toothbrush is about one per person per year. For proper care, toothbrushes should be replaced every 3-4 months.
Insufficient oral hygiene negatively impacts health
Oral health is linked to chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart diseases. Gum diseases can increase the risk of cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal diseases, diabetes, and premature birth. The mouth provides a suitable environment for microorganisms; therefore, maintaining oral hygiene is especially important during pandemics.
Early diagnosis prevents tooth loss
If tooth decay and gum diseases are not diagnosed early, they may lead to bone and tooth loss. Regular check-ups every 6 months enable early detection and treatment.
Oral care should start from the 6th month
Oral care should begin with the eruption of the first tooth at around 6 months of age. Cleaning with a damp cloth can be done twice daily until 12-18 months. After molars erupt, toothbrush use is recommended, and toothpaste use should start under parental supervision from age 3.
8 essential rules to maintain oral and dental health
The daily oral care routine includes brushing teeth twice a day and cleaning between teeth once a day. Regular plaque removal prevents tooth decay and gum diseases. Additionally, the following rules are necessary for a healthy mouth:
- Brush teeth at least twice a day
- Clean between teeth regularly
- Brush the tongue once a day
- Use fluoride-containing toothpaste
- Visit the dentist every 6 months for check-ups
- Replace the toothbrush every 2-3 months
- Avoid smoking
- Limit consumption of sugary, carbohydrate-rich foods and carbonated drinks
