The Wisdom of Dentists: Tricks To Keep Your Teeth Healthy
There’s nothing worse than encountering severe tooth problems, particularly when they come at an early age. No matter how many dentists preach the gospel of flossing and brushing, however, it seems that the people really don’t get the message. If you want to escape being part of the statistics, here are some things you can put into practice to keep your teeth healthy and bright.
When combined with the dental chair phobia that many suffer from,
tooth decay rates are not nearly on the decline that they should be on. And the decline that is there is founded primarily on fluoridated water.
Not to be overlooked in the battle against tooth decay is your diet. It goes almost without saying that coffee, red wine, and smoking are the primary enemies of bright, white teeth. But that’s just a matter of cosmetics. When it comes to the health of your teeth, sugar is the primary enemy. It is no coincidence that dentists come out in force on Halloween. Candy and soft drinks are the ultimate culprits when talking about foods that rot the teeth. Of course, this doesn’t mean you can never have the occasional piece of candy or the occasional can of Coke. It simply means consuming these foods responsibly and not on a regular basis.
Sugar free gum is a powerful tool in the fight against tooth decay and cavities. While certainly not a substitute for regular brushing and flossing, it can produce a lot of saliva, which in turn has the power to neutralize many of the acids that tend to come out in foods. These acids can eat away at the enamel, certainly over time. Chewing sugar free gum gets that saliva out and working, providing one more weapon for those who want to avoid cavities at all costs.
Take advantage of fluoride and antibacterial mouthwash. Whether used separately or in tandem, these tools can make a big difference in your oral health. If you are at particularly high risk for further tooth decay, you might be able to get a prescription for one much stronger than you can find on the shelves of your local drugstore. Dentists recommend fluoride to be added to city water but if you don’t live in an area where this is happening, you definitely want to consider finding your own supplement.
As dentists will tell you, taking care of your teeth doesn’t require a lot of time and effort and it certainly isn’t rocket science. Treat your teeth well and they will stick around for a long time to come.
