Dr Neetika Shares 5 Oral Hygiene Facts That’ll Blow Your Mind

Lately, it’s been all about healthy living, organic lifestyle and the urge to get physically fit but, one thing that often gets subdued in all the buzz is the need for good oral and dental hygiene. Dental health is linked to the overall well-being of the body in many ways, one cannot even imagine! 

Most systemic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes have connections to oral health. A common bacteria which causes infection in the gums can travel through blood vessels leading to inflammation and blood clots.

We recently got in touch with Dr Neetika Modi, Dental Surgeon, Director at Studio Aesthetique, an industry veteran with over 20 years of experience in the field of dentistry. She has some facts to share that’ll blow your mind.

1. Brushing teeth once a day is barely enough

If you are brushing your teeth once a day, you are doing only 30% of the job. For complete dental care, one needs to brush twice a day, floss once a day, and tongue clean once a day. 

2. The average time spent on oral hygiene is just 50 seconds

An average person spends only around 50 seconds on oral hygiene in a day. However, they should dedicate at least three minutes in the AM and three minutes in the PM to oral hygiene. Including flossing into your routine every day not only improves gum health but also reduces your chances of infectious diseases.

3. 8 out of 10 children in India suffer from oral health problems

According to a recent study by an oral health giant, 8 out of 10 children in the country have some kind of oral issues. Teeth should be professionally cleaned at least once a year. If the plaque is not removed professionally, it turns into tartar causing gum inflammation and gum disease. Annual check-ups on the other hand play a very important role in the detection and prevention of major causes.

4. Food can be either a friend or an enemy

Crunchy foods like apples and carrots can help clean your teeth. Fibre-rich fruits and vegetables also help keep your teeth and gums clean. However, carbohydrates and sugary foods can damage your teeth.

5. A human mouth contains more germs than people on Earth

The enamel on the top surface of the tooth is the hardest structure you’ll find in your body, and you can only see 1/3 of your teeth the other 2/3 is hidden beneath the gums. Also, the human mouth contains more germs than people on Earth, and the tooth is the only part of the body that cannot heal itself. 

Let us know in the comment section if you know more such facts about oral health.