Dental Education and Its Necessity in Today’s Life
For most people, oral health is not really a top priority, that is until they encounter a problem. Once dental pain or dental damage happens, you would immediately want accurate information. However, good oral health education should not just only be used in emergencies. Read on and understand the basics of dental health.
Dental Health and the Body
Dental health is not just about the teeth and gums; it also affects the health of the whole body. Dental problems can have a huge impact on your quality of life. For one, they can interfere with the way you eat, drink and talk. Also, cavities and other issues can put you in constant pain. Even seemingly harmless problems like yellow teeth have an effect on your self-esteem. There are also dental problems that can lead to complications. For instance, oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and contribute to clogged arteries, heart disease, and other cardiovascular issues.
Starting Dental Education
About 20 percent of children aged five to 11 have at least one cavity. Fortunately, forming dental habits early on can offer cavity-preventing effects that can last a lifetime. Children below six years old can brush their own teeth with adult supervision. They should not use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and nothing more. Also, ensure that they spit the toothpaste out after brushing and not swallow it. Once your child reaches one or two years old, schedule their first dental visit. Regular visits help them to learn to feel comfortable with the dentist as they learn proper oral care practices.
Dental Health Basics
The three pillars of dental health are brushing, flossing, and dental visits. Brush the teeth for two minutes, at least twice a day – ideally when you wake up in the morning and before sleeping at night. Get a new toothbrush after three months as dull bristles cannot properly remove debris. Also, bacteria can build up on the brush over time. Floss once daily, either before or after brushing your teeth. Flossing breaks up the bacteria that has accumulated around the teeth, preventing them from forming colonies. As a general rule, visit your dentist every six months to assess your current oral health.
Oral health is unlikely to repair itself on its own, unlike bruising your leg or cutting your finger. At the first sign of the problem, see your dentist immediately. Minor problems are cheaper and easier to fix compared to issues that were allowed to grow and get worse over time. Talk to your dentist to learn more about dental health.
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