The mouth is a portal for the body's immune system to fight disease. It is where viruses and bacteria are first encountered, so it is essential to maintain healthy oral health. Oral care comes down to good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, a healthy diet, and avoiding tobacco products. Good oral care also includes taking medication only as directed by your doctor and following any advice from your dentist or dental hygienist about how often you should visit the dentist.

The connection between oral and overall health is complex, but a person's overall health can affect his or her oral health and hygiene — and vice versa. For example, if you have diabetes, your chances of developing gum disease increase significantly. Similarly, if you have periodontal disease — an infection that affects the gums around your teeth — it could lead to other health problems such as heart disease or stroke. The mouth is home to the dental structures that support your teeth and gums. The roof of your mouth is called the hard palate; it contains the palatal shelves, which form the top of your mouth. The tongue, lips and cheeks are also part of the oral cavity. The digestive tract begins at the back of your mouth and ends at the anus. It includes all parts of your body between your mouth and anus. The digestive system breaks down food into nutrients that can be absorbed into blood for use throughout your body.

Health conditions linked to oral health:

Endocarditis: This infection occurs in the inner lining of your heart chambers or valves. In this case, bacteria or other germs from your mouth spread through your bloodstream and attach to specific areas in your heart.

Cardiovascular issues: Although the connection is not fully proven, some research says that inflammation and infections by oral bacteria can cause heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke are linked to

Pneumonia: Certain oral bacteria can affect your lungs, causing pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.

Pregnancy complications: Periodontitis (A severe gum infection) can lead to pregnancy complications, premature birth, or low birth weight.

Sex and oral hygiene:

Oral hygiene and sex are interconnected to each other. Though oral sex is considered a low-risk activity, STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) can also be transmitted through poor oral hygiene. In addition, oral sex can transmit oral, genital, and respiratory disorders if oral and genital hygiene is not maintained properly. Oral dental care is directly related to the transmission of infection; sore lips, bleeding gums, and cuts in the mouth can increase the chance of getting severe conditions. So, it is always recommended to use protection while having oral sex if you are unsure about your hygiene.

Best practices for oral hygiene:

Brush your teeth twice a day:

It is essential to brush your teeth twice, after and before going to bed. Some people skip brushing their teeth at night, which can lead to oral health issues. At night your gum becomes a hotbed of germs and bacteria responsible for toothache and oral cavities.

Cover the entire area while brushing:

The way you brush is equally essential. A poor style of brushing is as equal as not brushing at all. Ensure that you cover the entire area while brushing your teeth. Try to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and cover the whole area inside out. Take your time and keep the brush moving in a circular motion to remove plaque. Unremoved plaque can harden and lead to calculus buildup and gingivitis. Finally, don't forget to clean your tongue. You can try oral hygiene products like tongue cleaner if not with a brush. Germs on the mouth can also lead to foul odour.

Use a paraben-free toothpaste:

Try to avoid chemical toothpaste and mouthwash. It might harshen your skin and also affect your teeth' health. Make sure there are no artificial flavours. Instead, check out Healthvit's oral care products, which are paraben-free and loaded with activated charcoal. It eliminates bad breath and helps whiten your teeth.

Floss frequently:

Treat floss as equally as brushing. Many people who brush regularly neglect flossing. Flossing helps you take the tiniest food particles stuck to your teeth. Flossing also helps to stimulate the gums, reduce plaque and lower inflammation. Flossing once a day is enough to reap the benefits. Older adults with arthritis may find flossing a little difficult. Instead of giving up, they can ready-to-use dental flossers.

Consider mouthwash:

Mouthwash helps in three ways; it helps reduce the amount of acid in your mouth, clears hard-to-brush areas around the gums and remineralizes the teeth. Unfortunately, many people skip mouthwash because they don't know the benefits. Mouthwash before bed helps eliminate all the oral germs and foul odour and gives a cooling effect.

Drink adequate water:

Water is the best solvent and anti-oxidant. As a rule of thumb, drinking water after every meal helps you clear the food residues on the tongue. Having water also helps wash sticky, acidic food and beverages.