Smile Bright: 5 Oral Practices Other Than Brushing for Healthy Teeth on World Oral Health Day 2023

Maintaining good oral hygiene is an essential aspect of our daily routine. It is crucial for overall health and well-being. Every year, World Oral Health Day is celebrated on 20th March, promoting awareness about the significance of oral hygiene. The theme of World Oral Health Day 2023 is "Be Proud of Your Mouth."

The following are some oral practices other than brushing for healthy teeth:

• Flossing: It is crucial to floss daily to remove the food particles and plaque from the spaces between your teeth, where your toothbrush can't reach.
• Tongue cleaning: Bacteria can accumulate on the tongue, causing bad breath and other dental problems. Use a tongue scraper or a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your tongue.
• Rinsing: Use an antiseptic mouthwash to rinse your mouth after meals, especially after consuming sugary or acidic foods and drinks.
• Chewing gum: Chewing sugar-free gum after meals stimulates the production of saliva, which helps neutralize the acids and bacteria that cause tooth decay.
• Eating healthy: A balanced and nutritious diet that is low in sugar and high in vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus, is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

In Dubai, 85 percent of children suffer from tooth decay by the age of 12. The experts reveal that the main cause of this is the lack of awareness about oral hygiene and the excessive consumption of sugary and acidic foods and drinks.

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be caused by various factors such as poor oral hygiene, gum disease, smoking, dry mouth, and certain medical conditions. To prevent bad breath, it is essential to brush and floss regularly, clean your tongue, use mouthwash, drink plenty of water, and avoid foods that cause bad breath.

Here are 5 must-know tips to keep your teeth and gums healthy:

1. Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
2. Floss at least once a day.
3. Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
4. Avoid smoking and limit your intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks.
5. Wear a mouthguard while playing sports or engaging in any activity that may cause dental injuries.

Finally, here are 15 interesting facts about dental hygiene that one must know:

1. The first toothbrush was invented in China in the 15th century.
2. The first dental floss was made from silk.
3. The average person spends 38.5 days brushing their teeth over their lifetime.
4. The tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body.
5. The tongue is the strongest muscle in the human body.
6. More than 700 species of bacteria can be found in the human mouth.
7. The first dental college in the world was established in Baltimore in 1840.
8. The first commercial toothpaste was produced in the 19th century.
9. The first dental X-ray was taken in 1895.
10. The human mouth produces one to two liters of saliva each day.
11. Teeth start to form before birth, but they usually don't emerge until a baby is between six and 12 months old.
12. A sneeze can travel up to 100 miles per hour, spreading germs and bacteria.
13. Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children.
14. Regular dental check-ups can help detect and prevent oral cancer.
15. Poor oral hygiene has been linked to several health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections.

In conclusion, taking care of your oral hygiene is essential for your overall health and well-being. It is crucial to adopt healthy oral practices and be aware of the causes of oral health issues to maintain good dental hygiene. This includes regularly brushing and flossing, visiting the dentist for check-ups, avoiding sugary and acidic foods, and staying hydrated. By following these practices, you can prevent tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and other oral health problems. It is also important to be informed about current affairs in oral health, such as World Oral Health Day, to stay up to date on the latest information and resources available for maintaining good dental hygiene.