Many diseases, whether general or oral, originate in the mouth. Nevertheless, many actually neglect their oral health and only start paying attention to it when it is too late and problems have already developed. In part this is thanks to a lack of knowledge on the importance of adequate oral hygiene, causing the most common disease in people over the age of 40 to be Gum disease or periodontitis.

A less well known fact is that gum disease has a direct link with diabetes, which in turn increases the patient's susceptibility to other infections. Certain studies have shown that patients suffering from gum disease are also at higher risk of heart disease as well as having higher levels of fibrinogen a blood clotting compound and an inflammatory protein called C-reactive protein. These complications and potential infections result from bacteria entering the blood stream through the oral cavity when the patient's oral health is compromised. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy will prevent bacteria from entering the blood stream and keep these potentially devastating infections and diseases out. You can easily determine whether your teeth and gums are healthy: healthy teeth do not have a lot of plaque and your gums are healthy is they are pink and firm. If they are red around your teeth or sore to the touch then you should seek the attention of a dentist to evaluate how you can get your oral health back on track as soon as possible!

Here we will outline some basic facts about your teeth and their surrounding tissue, as well as some health facts you should keep in mind to ensure your teeth are kept in optimal condition.

The Tooth:

The tooth does not actually consist of only the part you see when you open your mouth: your teeth consist of the visible section, called the crown, as well as the roots anchored in your jawbone.

Your teeth contain enamel, which is the outermost layer of the tooth and the hardest substance produced by the body. The inner tooth is composed of dentine, which is connected to the nervous system and can therefore produce sensations of pain during invasive dental procedures if a local anesthetic is not applied.

Your gums surround your teeth and support your roots anchored in the bones of your jaw. They are crucial for oral health, and when infected an easy path into the bloodstream for invading bacteria and pathogens.

Oral Hygiene:

Proper oral care is essential for overall well being and to prevent infectious agents from entering the body. You should use a tooth brush with soft to medium bristles and avoid hard bristles at all times. These can actually damage your teeth and gums and cause irritation, which can leads to infection.

Brush twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride. Consult Dr. Majithia if in doubt about which toothpaste to use.

The brush should be held at a 45 degree angle with the gum line. It should be gently moved in a circular motion over the surface of the teeth to massage the gums, and in an upwards and downwards direction to release any built up plaque from the surface of your teeth. On chewing surfaces a back and forth motion is sufficient, however on the vertical surfaces of your teeth the previously mentioned method is recommended. Actually scrubbing horizontally can damage your enamel at the junction of the tooth and the gums, which can then make that area more prone to cavities and infections.

You should regularly replace your tooth brush and not use it longer than three to six months. Any tooth brush should be replaced as soon as its original shape is lost as the increased pressure you need to apply to brush will damage your teeth and gums.

Flossing :

Flossing is an extremely crucial part of a good oral hygiene routine. Flossing with a good quality thread manufactured specifically for this purpose will remove the plaque built up between your teeth where a regular tooth brush cannot reach. This will also help keep your gums healthy and strong, and as such ward off infections and cavities. You should floss at least once a day after brushing.

To effectively floss your teeth you should use about eighteen inches of floss and wind the ends around your middle fingers. To guide the floss between your upper teeth and gum line you should use your thumb while gently moving it back and forth. Curve the floss around each individual tooth and move it up and down the surface of the tooth to remove the built up plaque and remaining food particles.

Each tooth has to be carefully flossed and cleaned. Make sure you don't miss any!

Rinsing :

A great boost to your oral hygiene can be something as simple as rinsing your mouth thoroughly after each meal or drink. You can rinse with water or use a mouth wash solution commercially available in drug stores. Consult Dr. Majithia for an indication on which mouth wash to use.

Eating Right :

Foods determine in large part the risk of tooth decay you are exposed to on a day to day basis. Even foods such as fruits, milk and bread contain sugars and starches which will stimulate the growth of harmful plaque bacteria in your oral cavity and on your teeth. The longer the food is exposed to your mouth, the greater the risk. Hence when eating these foods, it is imperative that you rinse after each meal and brush your teeth twice a day.