It is easy for us to forget about our mouth, teeth, and gums. Since they’re all doing their job very well, we forget that they need maintenance the same way we do lab tests annually to make sure our systems are all-go. But dental problems are more prevalent than we realize. Our mouths can cause problems for the rest of the body. It is linked to our overall health since the mouth is the entrance for bacteria and viruses to get into our systems.
If you have ever undergone dental procedures such as professional teeth bleaching in the past, you’re aware of how uncomfortable it can be for some. That’s the reason why there’s such a strong aversion from adults to make an appointment with the dentists. All those years ago where your parents have to drag you to the dentist still affects your perception of them.
Dental Health in Ancient Times
Do you know that dental health goes as far back as the ancient times? Archaeologists have found teeth-cleaning artifacts dating back more than 2,500 years. There were dental tools, teeth-cleaning manuals, and ancient toothpicks. The Greek doctor Hippocrates was the first person to recommend regular teeth cleaning using a dry toothpaste called dentifrice powder.
Text by ancient Egyptians and Chinese also recommended taking care of one’s teeth. The texts said that people should clean their teeth to prevent tooth decay. Some early techniques to keep their teeth clean and intact are chewing on barks, fish bones, sticks, porcupine quills, and feathers. To repair their teeth, the ancient people used silver, gold, and jade.
Infancy
It’s important to create a healthy dental routine as soon as you come out into this world. As parents or would-be parents, make sure to focus on your babies’ dental health. Clean their gums as early as it’s allowed. Teach them to brush their teeth properly the moment they can hold a toothbrush. Make the process fun for them. Encourage them to love brushing their teeth. If possible, do it together. Little kids love to emulate their parents. The more they see you brush your teeth regularly, the more they’ll likely want to do it, too.
Creating a routine will help them remember what they need to do for their teeth and gums when they’re on their own. You can start by asking them to brush their teeth two times a day and flossing at least once a day. They should also drink plenty of water because there’s a lot of things that can dry the mouth. Once your kids remember to do these things, it’ll be easier for them to continue with the routine even when they’re old and gray.
Senior
It’s better to start late than not at all. If you haven’t been taking good care of your dental health, you should start right now. Do you know that there is a connection between gum disease and heart diseases? In fact, maintaining good oral hygiene is a deterrent to heart attack, strokes, and other heart problems. Common mouth problems such as gum disease, missing teeth, and cavities can detect heart problems. That goes to show how connected these two diseases are.
If you are taking maintenance medications, that could also be the culprit why you have decaying teeth and gum disease. A lot of medicines can cause the mouth to dry out. This has a negative impact on the health of your mouth, teeth, and gums.
Some people are predisposed to developing dental problems. It could be genetic or environmental. If you think you have a chance of developing dental problems, be extra cautious with how you take care of your teeth and gums. A visit to the dentists is always a step in the right direction.
Dental Visits
It can be hard to take stock of what you need to do for your health. It’s easy to forget to go to the dentist when there are so many things running in your mind. Make a habit out of going to the dentist. If you can remember to visit the gym three times a week and see your friends over dinner regularly, then you should surely have time to make a dental appointment.
Good dental hygiene starts at infancy. If you grow up hearing about the importance of dental health, then you’ll take these lessons with you. No one should grow up thinking their teeth and gums are unimportant to their health. It all starts with you and the way you teach your kids.
