Oral hygiene is essential. In this wellness journal entry, we explore the reasons why it’s important to keep your teeth, gums, mouth and smile healthy.
What is oral hygiene?
Oral hygiene in simple terms is the daily care of brushing, flossing and taking care of our oral health. As a preventative health care measure, taking care of our teeth and gums helps prevent issues like cavities, gum disease and bad breath.
Our mouth is also the gateway to the body! As the second largest microbial community after the gut, oral microbiome is crucial to both oral and generalised health. When there is an imbalance of microbiome, it can allow harmful bacteria to thrive. Dental plaque, a biofilm of bacteria can build up and when not removed, mineralises into calculus, the perfect environment for bacteria to grow, leading to inflammation. Issues like periodontitis, a chronic gum disease may have far reaching implications for other health issues like cardiovascular disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s for example.
Your oral hygiene regime
- Invest in regular dental check-ups
- Brush twice daily for approximately 2 minutes using a soft brush
- Don’t brush too vigorously, be gentle
- Floss daily
- Avoid fizzy, sugary drinks, alcohol and foods that ‘stick’ to your gums
- Replace your toothbrush and/or brush head regularly
- Be guided by your dentist or dental hygienist on what type of toothbrush and brush head is right for you i.e. electric, sonic or manual toothbrush and/or soft, compact or angled brush head
Tongue scraping
Tongue scraping is the popular practice of using a tongue scraping device to remove excess debris/biofilm from the tongue. This daily practice can assist with a healthy microbiome, reducing bad breath and enhancing taste buds.
How to introduce tongue scraping to your daily dental regime
Firstly, choose a tongue scraper that suits you. Tongue scrapers come in stainless steel, copper or plastic. A rounded edge scraper may help prevent irritation of the tongue.
The general method of how to tongue scrape is easy. Simply ‘poke” out your tongue and gently scrape from back of tongue to front of tongue in one movement. Rinse the scraper between strokes and repeat a few times. When finished, rinse your mouth and always wash the scraper after use.
It’s important to not use a heavy hand. Tongue scraping is not a substitute for daily brushing and flossing and if in doubt, ask your dentist.
Perioral dermatitis
Is a common eczema type condition that presents around the mouth. Interestingly, one of the causes to exacerbate perioral dermatitis can be associated with chewing gum and toothpaste containing fluoride, SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate), whitening ingredients like pyrophosphates or ingredients that enhance flavour, for example cinnamon or mint.
Perioral dermatitis may present as a red rash around the mouth. It may be itchy, sore, scaly and have a burning or tight feeling. Sometimes there may be visible tiny pimples or pustules present.
How do you know if you have Perioral Dermatitis?
Do you have a rash anywhere else on the skin? Perioral Dermatitis or ‘POD’ is contained around the mouth. It may also be referred to as periorificial dermatitis. Looking at trigger factors is important and simplifying skincare and building the barrier is key.
As an alternative to fluoride toothpastes, ask your dentist about switching to a toothpaste that contains HAp (Hydroxyapatite). A valid fluoride-free option, it helps to remineralise teeth.
Our regime favourites…
BL Nourish Lip Serum
For the lip area, you cannot go past BL Nourish Lip Serum. This safe, nourishing lip serum is perfect to help increase lip suppleness and hydration. Used daily, it aids in healing and offers protection from environmental factors.
Bc Refresh Cleanser
For the face, our go to is Bc Refresh Cleanser. Our unique serum type cleanser effectively cleanses away dirt and debris without the use of SLS or SLES and aims to leave the skin refreshed and hydrated.
Bf Restore Serum
Bf Restore Serum is our daily hydrating and soothing face serum. Our hero product, it has been dermatologically tested and is safe for skin and kind to skin, making it a perfect choice for anyone concerned with sensitivity.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: The information here is general information and not intended to be a substitute for professional dental or medical advice.
References:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6503789/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666668525000102
https://ada.org.au/dental-health-week-the-connection-between-oral-and-general-health