Who doesn’t love a sparkling smile and a set of healthy teeth?
But with unhealthy eating habits and a lazy attitude towards dental hygiene this is a dream for many. There are billions of bacteria living inside our mouths at any given time. Many of these bacteria build up as plaque, causing tooth decay (cavities) and gingivitis, which can lead to periodontal (gum) disease. For a healthy smile, you must practice good oral hygiene every day. A good oral hygiene means you can chew well and can avoid toothaches and discomfort.
Here are a few simple ways to maintain good oral hygiene:
1. Start children early. One in four young children develops signs of tooth decay before they start school. Half of all children between the ages of 12 and 15 have cavities. Dental care should begin as soon as a child’s first tooth appears, usually around six months.
2.Use enough — but not too much — fluoride. The use of fluoride helps strengthen enamel, making it less likely to decay. Many toothpastes and mouth rinses contain fluoride.
3. Brush twice a day and floss daily. Gum disease and tooth decay remain big problems for all age groups. Here are a few things to take care:
- Toothbrushes should be changed 3 to 4 times a year.
- Teenagers with braces need special toothbrushes and other oral hygiene tools, consult your orthodontist.
4. Rinse after meals. In addition to brushing and flossing, rinsing your mouth with an antibacterial rinse can help prevent decay and gum problems.
5. Block blows to teeth. Sports and recreational activities build healthy bodies, but they can pose a threat to teeth. Consult your dentist for more details on a mouth guard for contact sports activities.
6. Don’t smoke or use smokeless tobacco. Tobacco stains teeth and significantly increases the risk of gum disease and oral cancer. If you smoke or use chewing tobacco, quit it.
7. Eat smart. At every age, a healthy diet is essential to healthy teeth and gums. A well-balanced diet of whole foods — including grains, nuts, fruits and vegetables, and dairy products — will provide all the nutrients you need..
Most Common Dental Problems
Here is a list of common dental health problems suffered by many:
1. Bad Breath
Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be downright embarrassing. According to dental studies, about 85 percent of people with persistent bad breath have a dental condition that is to blame. Gum disease, cavities, oral cancer, dry mouth, and bacteria on the tongue are some of the dental problems that can cause bad breath. A mouthwash helps cover up breath temporarily, consult a dentist for chronic bad breath.
2. Tooth Decay
Tooth decay occurs when plaque, the sticky substance that forms on teeth, combines with the sugars and/or starches of the food you eat. This combination produces acids that attack tooth enamel. As you age, you can develop cavities as your tooth enamel erodes. Dry mouth due to age or medications can also lead to cavities.
3. Gum (Periodontal) Disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums surrounding the teeth. It is also one of the main causes of tooth loss among adults. Smoking, diabetes and dry mouth also increase your risk of a gum disease. The symptoms include bad breath, red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums, sensitive teeth, and painful chewing.
4. Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is a serious and deadly disease that affects millions of people. It is most often seen in people over the age of 40. The biggest risk factors are tobacco and alcohol use, including chewing tobacco.
5. Mouth Sores
There are several types of mouth sores and they can be pesky and bothersome. Unless a mouth sore lasts more than two weeks, it is usually nothing to worry about and will disappear on its own.
6. Tooth Erosion
Tooth erosion is the loss of tooth structure and is caused by acid attacking the enamel. Tooth erosion signs and symptoms can range from sensitivity to more severe problems such as cracking. Tooth erosion is more common than people might think, but it can also be easily prevented.
7. Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is a common problem that affects millions of people. Basically, tooth sensitivity involves experiencing pain or discomfort to your teeth from sweets, cold air, hot drinks, cold drinks or ice cream. It also causes discomfort from brushing and flossing.
8. Toothaches and Dental Emergencies
Having a dental emergency can be very painful and scary. Common problems that require an urgent trip to your dentist include a broken or cracked tooth, an abscessed tooth, or a tooth knocked out in an accident.
9. Unattractive Smile
While an unattractive smile is not technically a "dental problem," it is a major reason why many patients seek dental treatment. An unattractive smile can really lower a person’s self-esteem. Whether it’s teeth whitening, dental implants, orthodontics or other cosmetic dental work, chances are that your dentist can give you the smile of your dreams.
How can I prevent tooth decay?
The best way to prevent tooth decay and remove plaque is by brushing and cleaning between your teeth every day.
Proper Brushing and Flossing Techniques:
- Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums.
- Move the brush back and forth gently in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
- Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
- Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke.
- Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
- Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind it around the middle fingers of each hand. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
- Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion.
- When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.
- Bring the floss back toward the contact point between the teeth and move the floss up or down the other side, conforming the floss to the shape of the tooth.
Use mouth rinse for added protection
Antimicrobial mouth rinses reduce bacteria and plaque activity, which cause gingivitis and gum disease. Fluoride mouth rinses also help reduce and prevent tooth decay but are not recommended for kids 6 years and younger.
Are you or a family member suffering from a dental condition. Consult dentists at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital for the best dental advice and treatments. Please find below link for more details: