3 Tips to improve your oral health today
"Bad teeth runs in my family"
Sound familiar? You may routinely use this line, or you may have heard it used by someone else. Although there are genetic components in overall oral health, many people believe they are simply dealt a bad dental hand and give up. In truth you probably have no reason to do so! Your oral health is much more in your control than you may think.
At VitalDent we believe that prevention is better than cure. We are relentlessly driven to break the cycle of “bad teeth runs in the family” used by despondent patients all over. We want to enable you to have the healthy mouth you deserve! We believe it starts with understanding the causes for poor oral health and then taking action to resolve the issues. Follow the three tips below and take control of your oral health. But first, know your enemies…
The Enemies: Bad Bacteria, Dental Plaque and Acids
As early on as infancy, millions of bacteria are introduced to the oral cavity. Some of these bacteria are potentially harmful to teeth such as mutans streptococci and lactobacilli.
Bacteria feeds on sugars and produce acid in the mouth. This acidic environment is a problem for our teeth. It can cause the hard mineral tooth structure to chemically dissolve and potentially form a cavity.
Dental plaque is a soft, sticky and colourless film formed on teeth giving it a “fuzzy” feeling. It is a combination of food debris, millions of bacteria in a colony and its acidic products. The longer plaque is left on the teeth and gums, the stronger it gets and the more harm it can do.
1. Diet
Our diet plays a critical role in fueling the bacteria. Oral bacteria LOVE sugar! It feasts on it for energy. A higher frequency and quantity of taking in sugar makes one more prone to cavities. Regular exposure to sugary foods and drinks causes recurrent drop in mouth pH (creating an acidic environment), thus more plaque formation. Cut down on sugary foods and drinks, and when you do eat or drink them, be sure to rinse your mouth with water directly thereafter to remove sugar residues from your mouth.
2. Oral hygiene
We need to get rid of the plaque formed on our teeth and gums PROPERLY. Establishing a good oral hygiene routine from a young age is of utmost importance. Brushing alone is not sufficient. You need to brush, floss and use mouth rinse twice a day and be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a check-up and cleaning. Your dentist/ oral hygienist will equip you and your child with a few tips and tricks specific to your mouth to ensure you have optimal oral hygiene.
3. Saliva
Saliva plays an important role in maintaining good oral health. It dilutes sugars after intake and helps to flush out and stops growth of some bacteria in the mouth. It acts as a neutralizer against the acidity of the mouth bacteria and contains minerals that can actually reverse initial tooth decay! Individuals who have dry mouth are at greater risk of developing tooth decay. If you have a chronic dry mouth, this is something your dentist can assist with. Make sure to schedule a consultation and mention this condition.
Remember, prevention is much better than cure. With these three simple steps you can do your part to take control of your oral health. If you would like more information on anything above, be sure to contact us!