Your oral health can really make or break your self-confidence, and it can have a significant impact on your health in general. Keeping the teeth and gums in good condition can allow a person to feel good about their appearance, look younger and enjoy a healthier and longer life. This is a guide to exactly what this is so important, and how best to protect oral wellbeing. 

Taking good care of the teeth and gums means that a person can feel confident about their smile. Having teeth that are thoroughly clean and breath that smells minty fresh can allow people to feel at their best when it comes to socialising, mixing with colleagues and finding a life partner. Teeth that are white and bright can help a person to look younger than their chronological age and make them look and feel more attractive in general. 

Teeth and gums that are well cared for are much less susceptible to gum disease. Gum disease can cause the breath to smell and can result in tooth loss. Tooth loss can have a significant impact on a person’s confidence regarding their appearance, and if not treated, cause social and personal withdrawal from others. Gum disease has also been shown to affect health in general. Research has shown that people who develop the condition and allow it to progress without treatment are at a much greater risk of a whole range of illnesses that affect other parts of the body. These include those of a cardiovascular and respiratory nature, and conditions such as dementia and arthritis. 

Protecting one’s oral health must include establishing a regular routine at home. The teeth should be brushed for two minutes, twice a day, with a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps to protect the surface of the teeth known as enamel, which allows them to be more robust and less vulnerable to damage. Flossing or using interdental brushes once per day helps to remove food debris and plaque that the patient has not been able to reach with the toothbrush. 

It's vital to visit a dentist every six months to keep on top of your oral health. If you've not been in years and don't have a dentist, simply search for practices locally to you. For example, if you're in Kent you could search for a dentist in Tunbridge Wells, Canterbury or Maidstone. It means treatment will be minimal in most cases, and preventive rather than restorative. Secondly, these check-ups give the patient the opportunity to have their teeth cleaned professionally with a thorough scale and polish. This helps to keep the teeth and gums healthy and in good condition. 

Teeth that are misaligned are much harder to keep clean, as it is easier for food debris and plaque to become trapped between them. Any patient who has crooked, protruding or overcrowded teeth should talk to the dentist about having this corrected. Many people consider orthodontics to be done solely for aesthetic purposes, but it is also a very useful tooth in terms of protecting a person’s oral health.