Healthy teeth and mouth for a lifetime

The biggest stumbling block to a healthy mouth, healthy teeth and a beautiful smile is bacteria and plaque. Unfortunately, your mouth is the portal through which bacteria enter and together with plaque, a colourless, sticky substance, build up on the surface of your teeth. When not removed, they produce acids that are able to eat a hole right through tooth enamel and then harden into tartar that slowly dissolves the bone surrounding the teeth. Bacterial plaque also causes gum disease and other periodontal disorders. However, like the baby boomer generation, your teeth can last a pain-free lifetime too − if you look after them properly.

Tips to guard your mouth, teeth and smile

• • Good oral health starts with brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, at least twice a day or after every meal and snack, using a good antibacterial or fluoride mouthwash and visiting your dentist at least once a year.

• • Use an electric toothbrush if possible. It works better at reaching hard-to-get- to back teeth and food caught between them.

• • Use the best fluoride toothpaste you can afford. Fluoride prevents and stops the tooth decay process and remineralises the tooth surface to keep tooth enamel strong and solid.

• • Keep teeth white by using a straw when drinking sugary drinks, by avoiding strongly coloured food (and anything containing saffron), by giving up smoking and by toning down your tea and coffee consumption. If the last is too difficult, try to wait a while after brushing your teeth before you have your cuppa. Teeth are more porous and prone to staining after being brushed. Red wine contains chromogen and tannins that stain teeth and white wine, being sweeter, produces acids in the mouth that weaken the enamel. Rinsing your mouth with water after drinking sugary drinks or wine is a good precaution against tooth decay and staining. You can also try a teeth whitening toothpaste to remove stains.

• • Whatever you put in your mouth will affect the health of your teeth and gums. So, eat a healthy, balanced diet but cut down on foods that contain sugars and starche. The acids they produce in the mouth begin the decay process. All sugary treats such as cookies, cakes, pies, candies, ice cream, dried fruits and raisins as well as fruit juice, some sport and soft drinks and even, cough syrups promote tooth decay.

• • Be kind to your teeth and don’t munch on hard, frozen ice cubes that can chip or crack your teeth. Opening items such as bottle tops with your teeth or chewing on pencils may have the same effect. If you have to chew, chew sugarless gum that will stimulate the production of saliva and help in remineralising tooth surfaces.

• • Protect your teeth by wearing a mouth guard if you take part in contact sport or if you are a teeth grinder. The latter can occur if you are very stressed out, so try and manage your stress levels and get a good night’s sleep.

Talk to your dentist about any special oral or health problems that you may be experiencing. Conditions such as pregnancy, heart diseases, diabetes and cancer treatments may have an impact on your oral health and he or she is the best person to help you plan and implement changes in the care of your mouth and teeth.

 

Sources

Mouth and teeth facts. Retrieved from:  http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/focus/oralhealth/
19 Habits That Wreck Your Teeth. Retrieved from: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/ss/slideshow-teeth-wreckers
7 ways to keep teeth white. Retrieved from: http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/interactive/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=3727&g2_tab_id=154
Your Oral Health Care Plan. Retrieved from: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/oral-health-care-plan