Teeth are extremely hard and durable, but they are breakable and you must take steps to look after them to prevent the onset of decay and damage. Eventually, teeth that are left to rot will come loose and fall out and this has implications for the aesthetics of the smile, as well as one’s ability to eat and speak.
Bacteria in the mouth
The mouth is a hot-bed for bacteria; some bacteria are always present in the mouth, but others are present only when you eat. They produce harmful plaque acids which attack the protective enamel surfaces of the teeth. It is important to remove bacteria from the mouth to prevent damage or harm to the teeth. Brushing and flossing are the most effective ways of keeping bacteria at bay. If bacteria are left to linger there is a real risk of decay and gum disease.
Oral hygiene routine
Your daily oral hygiene regime is very important. You should brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time, as well as flossing and rinsing with mouthwash on a regular basis. Most people brush in the morning and evening, but some also like to brush after lunch, especially if they are prone to bad breath.
In addition to good oral hygiene it is important to see your dentist on a regular basis, so that they can check for warning signs of decay or gum disease. Visiting your dental hygienist once a year will also help to keep your teeth strong and healthy.
Poor oral and general health linked
Studies have indicated a link between poor oral health and poor general health, so preventing oral diseases is important. As well as brushing twice a day, flossing and attending regular dental checks, it is important to keep an eye on your diet. Eating sugary foods and drinking fizzy drinks and concentrated fruit juices can be very harmful for your teeth, so try to avoid these where possible, especially between meals. Drinking water or milk is preferable to fruit juice or soft drinks, and choosing sugar-free snacks and drinks will help to reduce the risk of disease and decay.
In recent years, consumption of fizzy drinks and sports drinks, which are laden with sugar, has increased significantly and this presents a real danger to oral health. Sugary drinks cause acid erosion that result in the protective enamel surfaces of the teeth becoming weaker, exposing the rest of the tooth to danger. For more information on looking after your teeth contact the team at Sparkle Dental Boutique near Chiswick for more information.
In older cultures, Saturdays used to be the day for bathing.
