Debunking Common Oral Hygiene Myths for Better Dental Health

Oral Hygiene mythsBUSTED! I don t need to see a dentist as I wear a denture Everyone will always need false teeth when they are older Gum disease is just part of getting older I m not in pain, so I don t need to see the dentist Dental health doesn t Effect my general health I can t get oral cancer, I ve never smoked or drank alcohol

I dont need to see a dentist as I wear a denture Whether you have no teeth, or very few teeth and have chosen to have them replaced with dentures or implants, its still necessary for you to get checked out regularly at your dentist. As our mouth is the gateway to our overall health and primary entry for food consumption, it can be at risk to many gum, mouth, lip and soft tissue issues that can affect our overall health. Dentures themselves can be subject to plaque build up that may require professional cleaning, which can prevent cavities in your remaining teeth, gum disease and influence our ability to chew and digest. It s important to be seen by a dentist to check the fit of your dentures, prolong their life and help with early detection of oral health disease or cancer. Always remember to clean dentures at once a day with soap and water. Remove at night and keep in water-in a named pot if the person is living with others.

Gum disease is just part of getting older Gum disease can be caused by a number of factors, with poor oral hygiene being the most common. You are most at risk as you get older, but this is not a deciding factor as to whether you will go on the develop gum disease. As our mouths are full of bacteria, this combined with salvia form a sticky film known as plaque. Over time, acid in plaque can begin to irritate your gums, making them inflamed and sore. Plaque is usually very easy to remove by brushing and flossing your teeth. If plaque is left untreated, it can become hardened and usually only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist. Keeping on top of your oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing and reducing your sugar intake can help to reduce your chances of developing gum disease and irritation Brush teeth twice daily with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste. Remove plaque to reduce bleeding and inflammation Remembering to brush the tongue

Dental health doesnt effect my general health Dental and oral health is an essential part of your overall health and well-being. Poor oral hygiene can lead to dental cavities and gum disease. It has also been linked to heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Tooth loss is directly linked with deteriorating diet and compromised nutrition which can impair general health and exacerbate exiting health conditions. The mouth is often seen as an entry point for infections, which can spread to other parts of the body Everyone will always need false teeth when they are older Not everyone will need dentures at some point in their life. In the past it was an assumption that we as age, we would all lose our natural teeth. But luckily that is not the case today for older adults who are keeping their natural teeth for longer than ever before. By brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing, you are giving yourself the opportunity to keep your natural teeth healthier and stronger throughout your life.

Im not in pain, so I dont need to see the dentist Maintaining regular examinations can help to prevent further pain or issues with your teeth throughout your life. It has been shown that both preventative action can be much more cost effective and less invasion then only attending the dentist when you are in pain. I can t get oral cancer, I ve never smoked or drank alcohol The two highest risk factors for developing oral cancer are tobacco and alcohol use. Yet unfortunately, it is still possible for non-smokers or non-drinkers to be diagnosed. Genetics can play a big part in the likelihood of developing oral cancer, other risk factors include a weakened immune system, prolonged sun exposure, HPV infection, gender and a poor diet. This is why its so important to get checked regularly by your dentist even if you have never smoked or drank.