Dental health is commonly ignored. A lot of people think that it is not a severe issue. But little do they know that the poor state of dental health is linked to chronic diseases such as heart ailments, dementia, adverse pregnancy results, stomach ulcers, kidney failure, diabetes, obesity, and even respiratory problems.
That is why it is vital to keep the teeth and gums healthy. After all, it is like a window to the body. Not only does an excellent oral condition help strengthen the body’s overall being, but it also aids in improving social relationships and boosts self-esteem.
Fortunately, maintaining oral health does not come at much costs and hassles. It is very much practical and effortless. Now, here are some ways to ensure that your next smile would set the tone for a livelier interaction.
Minimize Sugar Intake
Sugar intake is one of the leading causes of oral health degradation. Sugar interacts with the bacteria within the plague and yields acid. It then erodes the teeth’s protective layer, eventually, damaging it. The more sugar you consume, the more acids produced. And that intensifies oral health problems.
Various studies even confirm the inextricable link of sugar to oral health degradation.
The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) in the UK, for instance, showed that higher consumption of sugar-containing foods and beverages increases dental carrier, especially among children. The World Health Organization (WHO) also cited in 2010, that dental caries is lower when sugar intake is lesser than 10% of energy intake. It also mentioned that dental caries progresses as one age, and the impact of sugars on the dentition is lifelong.
Solution? Minimize or get rid of sugary foods such as ice cream, soda drinks, low-fat yogurt, BBQ sauce, ketchup, fruit juice, spaghetti sauce, chocolate milk, flavored coffees, protein bars, vitamin water, cereal bars, canned fruit, bottled smoothies, and many others. Of course, it would be gastronomically inconvenient to avoid these. But you could at least try these in moderation.
Of course, there are alternatives out there to satisfy your sugar craving. Fruits and nuts are good examples. But again, take these in moderation and balance — every excess lead to damaging effects.
Keep Brushing a Habit
Due to hectic schedules, many people skip brushing as part of their daily routines. But some would brush once a day, twice a day and vice versa. The point is, brushing has to be a habit. Dental experts suggest that it should be done at least two to three times a day, every after a meal.
We can’t deny the fact that much of the foods we eat today intensify carrier growth on our teeth. That is why brushing is an imperative option. One of the recommended ways of doing this is the Modified Bass technique where you must hold the brush head at an angle of 45 degrees, and slowly move the brush in a small horizontal stroke. The strokes should be done 20 times on each tooth.
Also, it helps significantly to invest in a better toothbrush. Dentists recommend those with soft bristles. The softer the bristles, the easier and more convenient it is to brush. On the other hand, a toothbrush with a harder bristle can erode the enamel and cause the gums to recede. That worsens oral problems.
Regularly Checkup with a Dentist
If time and financial suffices, why not hold a regular checkup with a dentist? It would be much more convenient to have one. Good thing, dentists are offering specialized services depending on your oral situation.
Having a dentist will help you diagnose the root causes of your oral problem. In that way, the dentist could suggest/recommend appropriate solutions. As part of the package, he/she would monitor your progress. You always have your dentist’s back until you finally achieve that flashy smile.
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Make Use of Mouthwash and Dental Floss
Even regular brushing is sometimes not enough to drive those damaging plague away as these often form deep in between the teeth.
That is why making use of mouthwash, and floss helps. It’s best to combine these with your regular brushing routine.
Rinsing with mouthwash helps to remove germs of soft tissues left on the teeth after brushing. It also makes the breath smells fresher. But again, always consult your dentist so he/she could recommend the proper mouthwash for you. On the other hand, a floss removes food that gets stuck in between the teeth. Do this at least once a day, especially before you go to bed.
Drink a Lot of Tap Water
Yes, you read that correctly! Water helps keep the plague/carrier away! It not only helps in hydrating your body and keeping it healthy. In many cases, tap water contains fluoride, another element which is beneficial for the teeth.
According to the American Dental Association, fluoridating a community’s water supply could reduce oral health problems among kids and adults by 25%. That’s a huge difference!
Also, drinking a lot of water, especially after consuming sugary foods and beverages can lessen sugar buildup on the teeth, tongue, and gums. It also washes away leftover and residue and prevents dry mouth. This then leads to optimum saliva production, which is the body’s first defense against tooth decay.
Of course, water intake helps remove bad breath so you can confidently speak with a smile. And the good thing about it, drinking water can be done anytime and anywhere. Mostly for free!
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